Qnetic Begins Low-Speed Testing of Pulsar Flywheel System

The Sacramento-based firm aims to address cycling limits in traditional battery storage.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Energy

Isometric editorial illustration of a carbon fiber flywheel rotor in a clean vacuum chamber, representing energy storage technology. — Sacramento-based Qnetic has begun low-speed testing on its Pulsar flywheel energy storage system, an alternative to traditional grid-scale lithium-ion batteries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sacramento-based energy startup Qnetic has commenced low-speed testing of its Pulsar flywheel energy storage prototype. The system is designed to provide high-efficiency power output for grid storage applications.

Why it matters

The technology aims to resolve capacity degradation and cycling rate issues that frequently limit the performance of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The Pulsar system achieved 130 kW of power output at 97.3% efficiency during tests, with rotational speeds exceeding 11,000 rpm. The unit currently features an initial capacity of 200 kWh, with future iterations projected to reach 500 kWh.

The players

Qnetic

A Sacramento-based startup that develops flywheel energy storage technology for grid applications.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

A community-owned electric utility serving the Sacramento region that plans to evaluate the Pulsar technology.

The details

The prototype uses a carbon fiber rotor manufactured via filament winding that spins in a vacuum using no-contact magnetic bearings. The unit is designed to facilitate four-hour storage at a discharge rate of 125 kW.

September 2026: The Pulsar system completed 100 continuous charge-discharge cycles.
First half of 2027: Qnetic aims to begin a pilot program with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

The Big Picture

This development represents a shift within the ongoing transition to long-duration energy storage by moving away from chemical storage limitations. Qnetic is positioning its flywheel technology as a robust alternative for grid stability where lithium-ion batteries often experience cycle degradation.

Successful pilot integration could eventually provide local power grids with more reliable energy storage that maintains capacity over many years. This could reduce utility reliance on chemical batteries that require frequent replacement due to performance degradation.

The takeaway

Flywheel storage utilizes kinetic energy rather than chemical reactions to store electricity for grid use. Readers should track how these mechanical storage systems perform during the upcoming utility pilot phase to gauge their viability as a battery alternative.

What happens next

Qnetic is scheduled to begin a pilot program to evaluate the Pulsar technology with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District during the first half of 2027.