Economics

Ancient Greek Technology Tests Musk Batteries on Storage

Photographer: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

A technology used in ancient Greece to power clocks and fire a cannon is undergoing a revival as the world searches for better ways to store energy from wind turbines and solar panels.

Compressed air, already used to power carnival rides, jackhammers and medical equipment, joins the crowded field of innovations chasing what may be a $21.5 billion market in 2024. Contenders include Elon Musk, chairman of Tesla Motors Inc., who this month unveiled a suite of batteries to store electricity for homes, businesses and utilities.