[jeffbee]

Does it make sense for a flywheel to have a horizontal axis of rotation, as shown in the concept image? Seems like that would be the hard way, from the standpoint of engineering.

[twic]

Maybe they could just spin the Falkirk Wheel round really fast.

[Johnythree]

It's axis must be parallel with the Earth's axis, otherwise the earth's rotation would generate enormous gyroscopic forces.

[jeffbee]

Interesting. Why does every other flywheel on the market have a vertical axis (that is, normal to the surface of the Earth, regardless of the place it is installed)?

I was thinking more about the fatigue of the shaft.