A sand battery is a thermal energy device for storing heat in sand for future use. The energy in this heat is then available later for other purposes, including warming homes in a community. Lateral-thinkers in Finland are developing a one hundred megawatt-hour sand battery, that could transform a community’s carbon footprint with help from a contractor.
Where One Hundred Megawatts Of Sand Will Go
The one hundred megawatt-hour sand battery will benefit members of the Pornainen community in southern Finland. There, some 5,000 people live in a peaceful setting also known as the ‘most photographed locality’ in the northern European country.
The residents in the small, spread-out town currently rely on an oil-fired district heating network. This may be more efficient than individual home units, but the one hundred megawatt-hour sand energy storage system will help cut their collective emissions by an impressive 70%.
Members of the Pornainen community that follow on afterwards may well be grateful for this bold decision. Climate change is increasing ambient temperature causing more intense precipitation in their region. Steps they are taking now could help preserve their homes situated along a river flowing through.
Recycling Energy With a One Hundred Megawatt Sand Battery
Constructing a one hundred megawatt-hour sand battery must be exciting for those involved. Catching up on lithium-ion battery farms signals a greener alternative coming online. The technology is simpler in high-level terms too:
- Heat dry sand in an insulated container using cheaper surplus energy during off-peak.
- Harvest this stored energy during peak periods. Use it to heat water to warm resident’s homes.
- Repeat the process many thousands of times, for as long as sand lasts and there is a need.
The Pornainen sand battery will set new records for this technology. We wish we were there to witness a remarkable step forward, in this truly green renewable energy field.
More Information
A Sand Battery to Keep Your Toes Warm
Alternative Energy Storage Round Up
Preview Image from Contractor Video
Source Article on EuroNews Website
