"Flywheel-based energy storage systems, unlike lead-acid
batteries, are sustainable â€œgreenâ€ technology solutions that
do not use hazardous materials for production, nor create them
during operation. Unlike batteries, flywheels operate reliably
for many years with little or no maintenance. Their life cycle
cost benefits and ROI have proven to be far superior to those of
lead-acid batteries. Despite higher initial costs, flywheels
offer an attractive and long-term cost-effective energy storage
alternative for the growing number of companies implementing
sustainable business practices." Flywheels have been used for
years to provide uninterruptible power supplies, but Beacon
Power has developed a system that can be used for grid level
power balancing, which is orders of magnitude greater. Beacon's
system has just received certification from California's
Independent System Operator - the not-for-profit corporation
that operates Californiaâ€™s high-voltage electrical grid.
Flywheels are also likely to gain incre