Finnish startup Polar Night Energy, specialising in thermal energy storage solutions , is making steady progress on building its large-scale sand battery . This innovative energy storage system is being developed in Pornainen, where crushed soapstone , a by-product of Finnish company Tulikivi’s chimney manufacturing, will be used.
Sand battery for storing thermal energy
The battery aims to store thermal energy for the region’s district heating network, helping to reduce the use of fossil fuels .
The sand battery is a high-temperature thermal storage system that converts clean electrical energy into heat , using materials such as sand or, in this case, soapstone. With a storage capacity of up to 100 MWh and an output power of 1 MW , the battery will be integrated into the urban heating system, allowing for greater efficiency in the use of energy.
This system is expected to help significantly reduce combustion emissions in the heating network, contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals.
Key collaboration for the circular economy
This project is not only a technological breakthrough, but also an example of a circular economy . The use of crushed soapstone provides an efficient solution for energy storage and supports sustainability principles by using a by-product instead of virgin materials.
We are excited to use this material instead of new resources, reinforcing our commitment to a more sustainable future.
said Tommi Eronen, CEO of Polar Night Energy.
The Finnish project is also marked by a close collaboration with Tulikivi, one of the leading soapstone fireplace producers, which has facilitated access to the material needed to fill the battery . This collaboration highlights how energy storage technology can contribute to reducing combustion and advance the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model.
Testing and commissioning in 2025
Construction of the sand battery is progressing as planned, with testing scheduled to begin this winter. The battery is scheduled to be commissioned in 2025 , with the aim of providing a clean and sustainable energy source for district heating for Loviisan Lämpö, the company that will manage the heating network.
With this project, Polar Night Energy is leading innovation in the thermal energy storage sector and is contributing to the development of solutions that promote the circular economy and support the use of renewable energy.
In the following video the company explains how this innovative sand battery works.
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Source and photos: Polar Night Energy
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