Thermal Batteries: A Revolutionary New Way to Store Renewable Energy
As the cost of wind and solar power continues to decline, the search for effective and affordable energy storage solutions has become a top priority. Enter thermal batteries, a game-changing technology that could transform the way we store renewable energy and reduce our reliance on traditional power sources.
According to John O’Donnell, founder and chief innovation officer of Rondo Energy, “Heat batteries are a fundamentally new way of storing energy at a small fraction of the cost.” Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, thermal batteries store excess electricity as heat in materials like bricks or graphite, which can reach temperatures over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This stored heat can then be released when needed, making thermal batteries ideal for powering industrial processes such as the manufacturing of steel, cement, and chemicals.
Rondo Energy is a leader in this space, building its first commercial heat battery in California’s Central Valley at Calgren Renewable Fuels. The system stores solar energy during the day and delivers high-temperature heat 24/7. O’Donnell explains, “We use unrefined raw materials, like bricks made from clay. A pound of brick stores more energy than a pound of lithium-ion battery, at less than 10% of the cost.”
By 2027, Rondo Energy plans to expand production to 90 gigawatt-hours annually, which could cut 12 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year – equivalent to taking 4 million gas cars off the road. However, thermal batteries still face challenges, including high upfront investment and a lack of familiarity among industrial users. As O’Donnell notes, “The biggest hurdle is educating the market that this technology is available.”
As the world continues to transition to a low-carbon economy, thermal batteries have the potential to play a critical role in driving this shift. By providing a cheaper and scalable alternative to traditional energy storage solutions, thermal batteries could help unlock the full potential of renewable energy and create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
