Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Polar Night Energy
In a significant advancement for renewable energy storage, the Finnish town of Pornainen has inaugurated the world’s largest sand battery, a 13-meter-high thermal storage system that aims to revolutionize how clean energy is utilized. Developed by Polar Night Energy, this innovative battery boasts the capability to store up to 100 megawatt-hours (MWh) of heat, which is expected to reduce emissions in the town’s district heating network by nearly 70%, effectively phasing out the use of oil.
The sand battery has become the primary energy source for Pornainen’s district heating, leading to a projected 60% decrease in wood chip consumption. An existing biomass boiler will continue to provide backup support during periods of high energy demand.
The concept of using sand for energy storage originated in 2018, as the engineers behind Polar Night Energy sought sustainable solutions to the energy challenges faced in northern climates. Unlike lithium batteries, which are often expensive and raise environmental concerns, sand offers a cost-effective and abundant alternative for large-scale heat storage. The system operates by heating low-grade sand using excess electricity generated from solar or wind power, allowing it to retain heat for days or even months.
The Pornainen sand battery differs from its smaller predecessor launched in Kankaanpää in 2022, being approximately ten times larger and utilizing crushed soapstone—a by-product of Finnish fireplace production. This material is well-suited for thermal energy storage due to its density and heat tolerance.
The sand battery is designed to meet significant heating demands throughout the year, capable of fulfilling nearly a month’s worth of heating in the summer and around a week’s in winter. The annual reduction of approximately 160 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions underscores its environmental impact.
While the demand for sand in construction is projected to rise dramatically, Polar Night Energy focuses on sourcing sand-like materials that meet thermodynamic standards, promoting sustainable practices and keeping costs manageable.
With successful implementations in Kankaanpää, Tampere, and now Pornainen, Polar Night Energy is eyeing further expansion, including a pilot project in Valkeakoski aimed at converting thermal energy back into electricity. The initiative reflects a growing trend toward harnessing simple, yet effective, materials in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
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