Is it an economically viable possibility to ‘store’ energy mechanically in order to offset energy consumption fluctuations and be environmentally friendly at the same time? In other words, is it possible to use a dam in reverse? This would function by having water be pumped into a reservoir to create an energy potential using any excess or wasted energy during off peak hours and then have it recapture the energy during peak hours by releasing the stored water. Granted the whole system would highly inefficient but by keeping power stored mechanically, it might dramatically lessen the environmental impact than, say, building and running a coal powered plant. Just a thought.

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