The sand battery in Pornainen, Finland, developed by Polar Night Energy and commissioned by Loviisan Lämpö, utilizes 2,000 metric tons of crushed soapstone to store thermal energy, capable of providing 100 megawatt-hours of heat.
This facility can meet nearly a month of summer heating needs for the town's 5,000 residents and about a week in winter, marking a shift from traditional heating methods reliant on oil and wood chips. The project has reportedly cut greenhouse gas emissions from the local heating network by nearly 70% and reduced wood chip usage by about 60%.
Tommi Eronen, CEO of Polar Night Energy, emphasized the importance of energy storage in a renewable-dominated energy landscape, suggesting that sand batteries could replace rare earth material-dependent technologies like lithium-ion batteries.
The sand battery operates by heating sand with excess electricity from renewable sources, storing the heat for later use, which allows for cost-effective energy management. This technology has garnered international interest, with inquiries from communities worldwide looking to transition away from fossil fuels.
Experts like Jan Rosenow from the University of Oxford believe that the sand battery model could be replicated globally due to its efficiency and sustainability. Loviisan Lämpö aims to increase the sand battery's contribution to district heating production significantly, showcasing its potential as a viable solution for energy storage challenges in the renewable sector