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A German Experiment Proved That Simple Concrete Spheres Make Fantastic Batteries. Now, California Plans To Submerge A 9-Meter Diameter Sphere In The Ocean And Is Already Planning Versions Of 30 Meters (farmingdale-observer.com)

submitted 2 months ago by Dadifer@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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[-] sturger@sh.itjust.works 34 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Every time I see these “We’ll do X in/around the ocean” projects I think, “These people have not spent a lot of time near the ocean.”

[-] Dryfire@lemm.ee 15 points 2 months ago

There are 2000 year old Roman concrete piers that are still just hanging out in sea water. So it's possible if you find the right mix.

[-] sturger@sh.itjust.works 11 points 2 months ago

The concrete isn’t the problem. Like mentioned above, the sealife growth is. Also, metal and moving mechanicals are savaged by seawater (and the sealife growth). Keeping things working on the surface of the water is difficult and expensive. Water pressure makes that even worse. Maintenance requires divers which are likewise very expensive.

[-] Dryfire@lemm.ee 2 points 2 months ago

Really good points. I was only thinking of the structure of the concrete... Sea life growth is a whole other ball game!

this post was submitted on 11 May 2025

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