As further grist for your mill:
* Australia has proved a focused sunlight system with hot|cold water 'battery' storage
(existing ProofOfConcept) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-31/raygen-resources-open...
(funded expansion) https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/raygen-resources-opens-ne...
( Prior iterations of focused sunlight have had issues )
* 'Gravity batteries' are finnally being constructed (Waterless hydro batteries for non dam friendly topography)
(2018) https://insights.globalspec.com/article/10784/massive-gravit...
(2023) https://www.energyvault.com/project-cn-rudong
(cube animation 2021) https://vimeo.com/647372871