The invention relates to a storage unit (2) for storing energy in the form of potential energy, comprising at least one potential energy storage device (4) for receiving, storing and releasing energy, at least one guide element (6) for guiding the potential energy storage device (4) along a guide path (8), wherein the guide path (8) is arranged within a shaft (10) arranged in the ground vertically with respect to the ground surface, wherein the potential energy storage device (4) obtains the stored potential energy by conversion from kinetic energy and releases it by conversion into kinetic energy, wherein the kinetic energy results from a movement of the potential energy storage device (4) along the guide path (8), and wherein the potential energy storage device (4) is formed in the form of a continuous weight extending beyond the length of the guide path (8).