Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email or follow us on Google News!
Thermal energy storage is emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, and it is set to be put to the test in the northeast US. The Israeli startup Brenmiller has recently signed an agreement with the New York firm Rock Energy Storage to deploy its “bGen” thermal battery in order to reduce the use of natural gas in the industrial energy market across several states in the region.
The basic concept behind thermal energy storage, such as Brenmiller’s bGen system, involves using electricity to heat crushed rocks to high temperatures when excess wind or solar energy is available. This stored thermal energy can then be used to provide steam, hot water, or hot air for industrial processes, replacing the need for fossil-fueled boilers.
Unlike concentrating solar power systems that require large fields of reflecting mirrors or troughs, the bGen system can operate on any source of electricity, whether on-site or grid-connected. Renewables are preferred due to their lower cost during off-peak hours. Additionally, the system is eligible for federal incentives and state and utility incentive programs, making it a competitive option compared to natural gas.
Brenmiller’s first deployment of the bGen system in the US is at a co-generation station at the State University of New York (SUNY) campus in Purchase, New York. By using electricity and exhaust gas for heat, the system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the facility.
The partnership between Brenmiller and Rock Energy Storage aims to expand the adoption of thermal energy storage systems in the northeast US. With a focus on electrification and decarbonization, the agreement covers several states in the region and is expected to reach significant sales milestones over the next five years.
As the region looks to increase its reliance on offshore wind energy, the need for energy storage solutions like thermal storage is becoming more critical. States in the northeast have limited fossil energy reserves and are seeking to leverage renewable resources for their energy needs.
Thermal energy storage systems like Brenmiller’s bGen offer longer duration storage capabilities compared to lithium-ion batteries, making them suitable for grid resiliency and storing energy for extended periods. The use of crushed rocks for heat storage is just one of the many innovative approaches being explored in the field of thermal energy storage.
Overall, the partnership between Brenmiller and Rock Energy Storage represents a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions in the northeast US and beyond. By harnessing the power of thermal energy storage, these companies are paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy future. In the past, the US was believed to have limited access to geothermal resources. However, thanks to new technology, the field of opportunities has expanded. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
A new thermal energy storage system is set to reduce the use of natural gas in industrial processes across seven states in the US Northeast. This innovative system harnesses the power of hot rocks to achieve this goal.
For more updates on clean energy technologies and sustainable practices, follow me @tinamcasey on Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
If you have any tips for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or suggest a guest for the CleanTech Talk podcast, feel free to contact us.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. Check out our policy for more information.