Could lithium-ion batteries be replaced by thermal batteries for energy storage?

Renewable energy storage could be revolutionized by thermal batteries, which offer a cost-effective and scalable alternative to lithium-ion technology.

"John O'Donnell, founder and chief innovation officer of Ronda Energy, stated that intermittent wind and solar power are now the cheapest forms of energy humans have ever known. Energy storage technologies are being used to harness this power for transportation and electricity grids. Heat batteries represent a new, cost-effective way of storing energy."

Thermal batteries convert excess electricity into heat, storing it in materials such as bricks or graphite, which can reach temperatures over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This stored heat can be released when needed, making thermal batteries ideal for powering the manufacturing of steel, cement, and chemicals.

Antora Energy's COO, Justin Briggs, explained that a thermal battery enables the absorption of clean, affordable electrons from wind and solar, storing them as heat, and subsequently delivering that energy to industrial customers.

Calgren Renewable Fuels in California's Central Valley is where Rondo Energy built its first commercial heat battery.

The system stores solar energy during the day and delivers high-temperature heat 24/7.

"Unrefined raw materials, such as clay-made bricks, store more energy per pound than lithium-ion batteries at a significantly lower cost, according to O'Donnell."

Rondo Energy aims to increase production to 90 gigawatt-hours annually by 2027, which would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 12 million tons per year. This is equivalent to removing 4 million gas cars from the road, as stated by the company.

Although thermal batteries have great potential, they encounter obstacles such as high initial costs and limited recognition among commercial consumers.

Educating the market about the availability of this technology is the biggest challenge, according to O'Donnell.

Watch the video to learn more about this innovative technology.