The landscape of energy storage is evolving, with thermal energy storage (TES) emerging as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Israeli startup Brenmiller Energy is spearheading this shift, recently securing an agreement with New York-based Rock Energy Storage to deploy its groundbreaking “bGen” thermal battery across the northeastern US. This strategic move aims to displace natural gas in industrial energy markets across seven states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.
Thermal Energy Storage: A Cleaner, Greener Solution for Industrial Heat
From a decarbonization perspective, thermal energy storage presents a simple yet effective solution. The bGen system, for instance, utilizes electricity to heat crushed rocks to a scorching 650 degrees Celsius, storing excess energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. This stored heat can then be readily converted into steam, hot water, or hot air on demand, catering to various industrial processes and eliminating the need for fossil fuel-powered boilers.
Unlike concentrating solar power systems, which necessitate expansive fields of mirrors or troughs to capture and focus sunlight, the bGen system operates flexibly. It can be powered by any electricity source, either on-site or from the grid, with a preference for renewables due to their cost-effectiveness during off-peak hours.
Moreover, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act provides substantial federal incentives for thermal energy storage, further bolstering its appeal. Combined with potential state and utility incentives, bGen becomes a financially attractive option for industries seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions for their heat requirements.
Real-World Testing and Validation
Brenmiller’s inaugural bGen deployment in the US is at a co-generation station at the State University of New York (SUNY) campus in Purchase, New York. This project is a testament to the system’s capabilities, harnessing both electricity and exhaust gas to heat the storage medium and significantly reducing the facility’s greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 550 metric tons.
The SUNY project is a collaborative effort between Brenmiller and the New York Power Authority, the largest state-owned power entity in the US, with partial funding from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation. Given the involvement of these key players, the project is under close observation, as it holds the potential for widespread adoption not only in the US but globally.
Expanding Reach in the Northeast
The success of the SUNY project has paved the way for a significant expansion of Brenmiller’s reach in the northeastern US. Rock Energy Storage, after collaborating with Brenmiller since 2019, has become the exclusive distributor of bGen in seven states, including New York.
This five-year agreement, announced on June 6th, is projected to generate over $150 million in cumulative sales, indicating a strong market demand for thermal energy storage solutions.
The Northeast: A Prime Market for Thermal Energy Storage
The Northeast region presents a strategic market for Brenmiller due to its progressive stance on electrification and decarbonization. With an increasing focus on offshore wind power, the region’s demand for robust energy storage solutions is on the rise, making bGen an ideal fit. Furthermore, the scarcity of fossil fuel reserves in these states makes harnessing renewable in-state resources an attractive proposition.
Addressing the Need for Long-Duration Energy Storage While lithium-ion batteries have been instrumental in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, their limited duration of 4-6 hours poses a challenge for a grid increasingly reliant on intermittent wind and solar power. The US Energy Department has set a minimum standard of 10 hours for long-duration storage, with even longer durations being explored.
Brenmiller’s crushed-rock system addresses this need by offering a long-duration storage solution, capable of retaining heat for hours or even days. This is achieved through a simple yet effective heat transfer process, where water flows through pipes in direct contact with the heated rocks, producing steam at temperatures of up to 530°C.
The Future of Thermal Energy Storage
The use of crushed rock is just one of many avenues being explored in the rapidly evolving field of thermal energy storage. Researchers and innovators are investigating other promising technologies, such as specialized bricks, falling particles, strategic ice-making, and phase-changing materials. Moreover, advancements in geothermal energy technology are further expanding the possibilities for sustainable and efficient energy storage.
As the world transitions towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, thermal energy storage is poised to play a pivotal role. The bGen technology, with its innovative approach and demonstrated success, exemplifies the potential of TES in decarbonizing industrial processes and contributing to a greener energy landscape.