Finnish telecommunications company Elisa is set to enhance the efficiency of a groundbreaking 100MWh Sand Battery project in Finland’s electricity reserve market. This initiative, located in Pornainen near Helsinki, aims to optimize charging activities to maximize revenue while contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Project Overview: Elisa will manage the charging of a 1MW/100MWh Sand Battery, primarily designed for thermal energy supply.
- Sustainability Focus: The technology utilizes sand as a storage medium, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional energy sources.
- Market Optimization: Elisa’s expertise in reserve markets will ensure profitability by adjusting charging profiles based on renewable energy availability.
Project Details
The Sand Battery project, currently under construction by Loviisan Lämpö, is designed to store thermal energy by heating sand or similar materials using electricity. This innovative approach allows for the efficient discharge of heat energy for industrial or district heating applications, aligning with Finland’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints.
The project will operate by charging during periods of excess renewable energy production, particularly from solar and wind sources. The Finnish transmission system operator (TSO) will incentivize increased charging during these times, while Elisa will strategically reduce charging when production is lower, ensuring a balanced and profitable operation.
Elisa’s Role
Elisa’s involvement is crucial for the project’s success. As a prominent player in Finland’s reserve markets, the company has a proven track record in optimizing energy use. Mikko Paajanen, CEO of Loviisan Lämpö, emphasized the importance of reserve market revenues in making the Sand Battery project financially viable.
Elisa has also developed its own distributed energy storage (DES) software solution, which is particularly beneficial for telecom network operations. This software allows Elisa to manage its electricity consumption effectively while participating in reserve markets, further enhancing the project’s economic viability.
Timeline and Future Prospects
The Sand Battery project is currently undergoing installation of electrical, piping, and equipment components. Testing is scheduled to commence in the spring, with commissioning expected in early summer 2025.
As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy sources, projects like Elisa’s Sand Battery represent a significant step forward in energy storage technology. By optimizing the use of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, this initiative not only supports Finland’s energy goals but also sets a precedent for future sustainable energy projects globally.
Sources
- Elisa to optimise 100MWh Sand Battery in Finnish reserve markets – Energy-Storage.News, Energy-Storage.News.