This innovative technology uses surplus renewable energy to store heat in crushed soapstone, demonstrating a major step towards clean, combustion-free energy and grid stability.
In a landmark achievement for Sustainable Energy, the world's largest industrial-scale sand battery has officially gone live in Pornainen, Finland. Developed by Finnish startup Polar Night Energy for Loviisan Lämpö’s district heating network, this groundbreaking 100 megawatt-hour (MWh) thermal energy storage system is set to revolutionize the town's heating supply, drastically reducing its carbon footprint and paving the way for a more resilient energy grid.
Commissioned on June 17, the "Sand Battery" is a testament to innovative engineering, utilizing surplus renewable energy to generate and store heat within 2,000 tons of crushed soapstone – a by-product from local fireplace manufacturer Tulikivi. This colossal structure, standing 42.6 feet (13 meters) tall and spanning 49.2 feet (15 meters) in width, dwarfs Polar Night Energy’s 2022 prototype by approximately tenfold, solidifying its position as the largest of its kind globally.
The impact on Pornainen's district heating emissions is projected to be estimated reduction of nearly 70%, translating to an annual decrease of approximately 160 tons of CO2-equivalent output. This significant cut moves Loviisan Lämpö closer to its ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2035. Mikko Paajanen, CEO of Loviisan Lämpö, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "It allows us to drastically reduce our emissions and improve the reliability of heat production." He further noted that the facility will completely eliminate the use of oil and reduce wood chip consumption by about 60%. A biomass boiler will remain as a backup for peak demand periods, ensuring uninterrupted heat supply.
Beyond its impressive environmental benefits, the sand battery also plays a crucial role in enhancing grid stability. By optimizing its operations based on electricity prices and reserve markets managed by Finland’s grid operator Fingrid, the system can effectively balance energy use over extended periods, ranging from several days to even weeks. This capacity for long-duration energy storage is vital as the integration of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar power continues to expand.
The sand battery also champions the principles of the circular economy. The use of crushed soapstone, a manufacturing by-product, highlights a commitment to resource efficiency, minimizing the need for virgin materials. This innovative approach to material sourcing further underscores the holistic environmental benefits of the technology.
