Magaldi Green Energy, an Italian company, has developed an innovative thermal storage technology called Magaldi Green Thermal Energy Storage (MGTES). This system uses quartz sand as a medium for storing renewable energy, offering an efficient and sustainable solution to meet industrial and urban energy demands.
A step towards industrial decarbonization
The MGTES is presented as a key response to the decarbonization of the industrial sector, especially in those processes that traditionally depend on fossil fuels for heat generation.
Quartz sand is heated to temperatures of up to 600°C using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, and stored for days with less than 2% daily heat loss. This thermal energy storage contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and also improves the stability of the electricity grid by balancing electricity supply and demand.
How does the MGTES system work with quartz sand?
The MGTES operates in three fundamental steps:
- Loading: Renewable energy is used to heat the sand up to 600°C using electrical resistances or direct heat transfer.
- Storage: The hot sand is stored in insulated modules, allowing it to maintain heat for several days with minimal loss.
- Discharge: When energy is needed, the stored heat is released in the form of high-temperature steam (up to 450°C), which can be used directly in industrial processes or transformed back into electricity through steam turbines.
Key industrial applications
The versatility of the MGTES is one of its main advantages. This system can replace the use Natural gas is used in industries with high thermal demands, such as food and beverage production, the chemical industry, and paper manufacturing. A pilot project in Italy has demonstrated that the system can reduce gas consumption by up to 20%, resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
The Magaldi Green Thermal Energy Storage system is not only sustainable but also economical. Using common materials like quartz sand and steel, the system is completely recyclable, without relying on rare or expensive materials. Furthermore, its low operating cost makes it more cost-effective than many current energy storage technologies.
Scalability and flexibility
The MGTES is highly scalable, meaning it can be adapted to smaller industrial needs, with a capacity of 5 MWh, or to large-scale plants requiring up to 100 MWh. This flexibility allows for its integration into diverse environments, from industrial plants to district heating networks, providing clean, consistent energy 24/7.
With the growing need to integrate more renewable energy into the global energy system, technologies like MGTES offer an effective solution for storing and transforming renewable energy into green heat and steam.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source and photo: Magaldi Green Energy
