Qnetic, a U.S.-based flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) startup headquartered in New York, has begun low-volume manufacturing of its grid-scale mechanical batteries at a facility in Sacramento, California. Qnetic is fitting out a factory in Sacramento, California where it will begin low-volume manufacturing of its Q500 solid-state mechanical battery The Q500, Qnetic's alpha prototype, provides 500 kWh of capacity, 125 kW of power, and four hours of discharge at maximum power-extendable to up to 12 hours at reduced output. Michael Pratt confirmed: "The basic spec of Q500 is 500 kWh, 125 kW, four hours discharge at max power, and up to 12 hours discharge at lower power"
Background
Grid-scale flywheel energy storage systems convert electricity into rotational kinetic energy using high-speed rotors. These systems respond rapidly, often within seconds or less, making them suitable for frequency regulation and spinning reserve services. Flywheel storage systems store electricity as rotational kinetic energy by spinning a rotor at high speeds Unlike traditional short-duration FESS, Qnetic's Q500 is engineered for long-duration energy delivery and higher capacity, addressing limitations in earlier designs focused on high power but short energy duration. Qnetic says its design differentiates the battery from standard short duration FESS... "long-duration, high energy capacity and moderate power."
Utility and grid operators increasingly require fast-response storage to manage fluctuations in load and frequency. Flywheels offer near-unlimited cycle life, minimal degradation, and high round-trip efficiency-typically 85-95%. These characteristics make them attractive for ancillary services compared to lithium-ion systems, which experience degradation over time. Flywheels typically deliver cycle lives exceeding 100,000 cycles with minimal degradation and efficiencies of 85-95% Regulatory changes, including FERC orders enabling storage and fast-responding technologies to compete in frequency regulation markets, have further improved the technology's commercial prospects. FERC orders recognized fast responding storage technologies such as flywheels in ancillary services, enabling competitive revenue generation
Details
Qnetic recently secured US $5 million in its largest funding round, raising its total capital over the past year to approximately US $7.1 million when combined with a $2.1 million equity crowdfunding campaign. Qnetic has closed a $5 million funding round... combined with last year's $2.1 million equity crowdfunding campaign, the company has raised $7.1 million in the past 12 months The funding will support field testing with partners such as the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Lab of the Rockies, along with pilot projects in the U.S. and internationally over the next 18-24 months. The capital will be used to support utility and commercial pilot projects... and expand testing with partners including EPRI and the National Lab of the Rockies over the next 18 to 24 months
Qnetic cites several technical advantages over electrochemical storage: a 30-year operational life without degradation, unlimited daily cycling, robust performance in extreme temperatures, no risk of thermal runaway, and about half the levelized cost of storage compared to lithium-ion batteries. Qnetic claims its solid-state mechanical batteries deliver decades of life, unlimited daily cycling... zero risk of thermal runaway, and approximately half the levelized cost of storage of lithium-ion batteries
Why It Matters
Amid growing interconnection delays and rising grid reliability challenges, utilities are seeking fast-responding, durable storage solutions to provide ancillary services. Qnetic's long-duration flywheel presents a mechanical, non-chemical alternative to lithium-ion batteries, with potential for lower lifecycle costs and improved grid resilience. The Sacramento facility marks an expansion of U.S. flywheel production capacity-a key step as policy support and market demand evolve.
