Product Talk Terrament Co-Founder on Leveraging Existing Technologies to Scale Long Term Energy Storage
Feb 18, 2026
Eric Chaves, co-founder and COO of Terrament, is an engineer-designer who built a gravity-based long-duration energy storage concept. He discusses a gravity train system with shaft rails and generators, using proven mining tech and modular, factory-built components. He covers pilot and scale timelines, hiring the right co-founder, and why diverse teams and data centers are key early opportunities.
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Gravity Storage Mirrors Pumped Hydro
- Terramint replicates pumped hydro by using deep mine shafts and moving heavy weights to store energy without chemicals.
- This approach offers high round-trip efficiency and can be built near demand centers like data centers.
Depth Unlocks Cheap Long Duration Storage
- Digging two kilometers underground provides massive height for gravity-based energy potential using proven mining techniques.
- That depth enables long-duration storage cheaper than current chemical batteries.
Build Modular And Proven Systems
- Use modular, factory-built components and simple mechanical systems to lower capex and risk for hard-tech projects.
- Prioritize proven technologies and high efficiency (80%+) to simplify adoption by grid operators.