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Finland warms up the world’s largest sand battery, and the economics lookappealing
Finland has launched the world's largest sand-based battery in Pornainen, utilizing discarded soapstone to store thermal energy for heating. This innovative system promises to cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on oil and wood heating by 60%, offering a cost-effective, renewable solution in a region with predominantly green electricity.
Key points
- Finland inaugurated the world's largest sand battery in Pornainen.
- The battery uses sand to store heat from renewable electricity.
- 2,000 metric tons of pulverized rock (soapstone) serves as storage material.
- The battery can store 1,000 megawatt-hours of heat, adequate for a week of heating.
- The system will cut carbon emissions and reduce wood chip consumption by 60%.
- It operates with only a 10% to 15% heat loss and can reach outlet temperatures of up to 400°C.
- It draws cheap, mostly renewable electricity from Finland's grid.
Why it matters
- The trend of utilizing thermal batteries parallels the rise in renewable energy solutions and the need for sustainable practices.
- Interest in thermal energy storage systems is increasing as the cost of renewables decreases.
- Other companies, like Scotland’s Sunamp and Electrified Thermal Solutions, are also developing thermal battery technologies.
Finland's sand battery represents a significant advancement in thermal storage technology, demonstrating an eco-friendly and economically viable alternative to traditional heating methods, and aligns with global trends toward sustainable energy solutions.