A mass pod turbine device includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a shaft axis. A plurality of mass pods restrained about the periphery of the rotating element. The mass pods are restrained to the rotating element, but may be displaced relative to the center of rotation. During a rotational cycle of the rotating element, the mass center of each mass pod may be dynamically displaced relative to the center of rotation. The mass pods then generating a mass imbalance about the rotational axis and causing the device to rotate about the shaft axis. The system also provides a useful variable inertia member for the storing of the kinetic energy of a rotating assembly.