Cheap clean energy could unleash the power of thermal storage

Rocks and Hotness: Using Thermal Storage for Decarbonization

In recent years, the plummeting cost of solar and wind power has made thermal storage economically viable, opening up new possibilities for decarbonization. Heavy industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals production contribute significantly to global emissions and energy consumption. To achieve true decarbonization, the power sector requires 24/7 clean energy. Startups are now leveraging thermal storage technology to address these climate challenges by using surplus renewable electricity to heat up rocks and other materials with high thermal mass. The stored clean energy can be used for industrial processes or fed back into the grid as electricity.

The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Thermal storage enables the utilization of cheap clean energy from renewable sources.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Thermal storage technology offers innovative solutions to decarbonize heavy industries.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – By reducing emissions from industrial processes and the power sector, thermal storage contributes to climate mitigation efforts.

An Overheated Field

Decarbonizing the U.S. manufacturing complex is a trillion-dollar business opportunity that has attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and government attention. Different industries have varying heat requirements, with some needing extremely high temperatures that are challenging to achieve with electrified furnaces. Thermal storage companies employ different heat-trapping materials such as salts, metals, and rocks to meet these diverse needs.

• Rondo: This startup stores heat in bricks, a method that has been used in the steel industry for over 200 years. The heat is extracted from the bricks and used for various purposes, such as generating steam for power plants.
• Antora: Antora heats graphite blocks to high temperatures and uses the intense heat beam emitted from the blocks to replace fossil-fuel combustion. Additionally, the company utilizes special photovoltaic panels to convert heat energy into electricity.
• Fourth Power: This startup focuses on producing electricity by using super-heated graphite blocks as a storage medium. The intense light emitted from the blocks is directed onto thermophotovoltaic cells, which can reach high conversion efficiencies.

Advancements in Thermal Storage Technology

Rondo, Antora, Fourth Power, and other startups in this sector face significant challenges in scaling up their operations. However, they hold immense promise in decarbonizing industries and achieving clean, dispatchable power. These advancements align with the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to the transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the need to decarbonize essential industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals production, which contribute to global emissions and energy consumption. This aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of clean energy and thermal storage in achieving decarbonization, connecting to SDG 7. Finally, the overall goal of reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change is relevant to SDG 13.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article emphasizes the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, for thermal storage to decarbonize industries. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The development of thermal storage technologies also contributes to upgrading infrastructure and making industries more sustainable, supporting SDG 9.4. Furthermore, integrating thermal storage and clean energy solutions into national policies and strategies is essential for addressing climate change, in line with SDG 13.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Investment in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy technologies
• Integration of thermal storage and clean energy solutions in national policies and strategies

The article mentions the low cost of solar and wind power, indicating progress in increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The significant investments made by various stakeholders in thermal storage startups demonstrate progress towards upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries with sustainable technologies. Finally, the adoption of thermal storage and clean energy solutions by governments and inclusion in their policies and strategies would serve as an indicator of progress in integrating climate change measures.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: canarymedia.com

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