The invention captures harvestable mechanical energy, e.g., in the form of wind or moving water, and uses it for electrical generation or other work. In various embodiments a turbine is used to pressurize a fluid, and the pressurized fluid is then optionally stored and then used to drive an electric generator. Because the pressurized fluid can be stored in a pressurized state indefinitely, the invention provides a straightforward way to accumulate the mechanical energy until it is needed. Additionally, the invention allows portions of the system, e.g., a pressure vessel or generator, to be located away from the turbine, reducing the costs of deploying and maintaining the system.