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Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia Collaborate on a Major Sand Battery Project in Finland, (from page 20251228.)

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Summary

Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia have collaborated on a major project in Vääksy, Finland, utilizing Polar’s ‘Sand Battery’ technology for district heating. This system boasts a heating power of 2MW and a thermal energy storage capacity of 250MW, making it the largest of its kind at completion. It aims to provide significant heat to Lahti’s district network while reducing fossil fuel emissions by about 60%. Construction will commence in early 2026, with completion expected by summer 2027. The technology involves heating sand to store energy, thereby facilitating lower natural gas and wood chip usage, simultaneously participating in reserve and balancing markets. Lahti Energia emphasizes its commitment to sustainable and affordable district heating.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Sand Battery Technology A new energy storage solution using sand as a thermal medium for heating. Shifting from traditional fossil fuels to innovative renewable heating solutions. Widespread adoption of Sand Batteries could revolutionize district heating across Europe. Demand for sustainable energy solutions aligns with global climate goals. 4
Local Materials in Energy Storage Utilizing locally sourced sand for energy storage applications. Transitioning to locally sourced materials instead of synthetic or distant resources. Local energy production may lead to reduced supply chain dependencies and costs. The push for circular economies and local sustainability in energy production. 3
Decarbonization of Heating Systems Significant reduction in fossil fuel dependency for district heating. Moving from a reliance on gas and wood to renewable energy sources. Heating systems may fully transition to carbon-neutral technologies, improving urban air quality. Government regulations and public demand for greener energy solutions. 5
Integration with Energy Markets Participation of thermal storage in grid balancing and reserve markets. From isolated energy supply solutions to integrated grid participation. Thermal storage solutions could become pivotal in stabilizing energy grids with renewable sources. The increasing share of intermittent renewable energy sources necessitates reliable storage solutions. 4
Scaling Renewable Heating Solutions Large-scale projects demonstrating viability of renewable thermal energy systems. Scaling up thermal energy storage from smaller projects to larger district heating networks. Large-scale renewables could dominate urban energy systems, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Advances in technology and funding for renewable infrastructure promoting larger projects. 4

Concerns

name description
Reliance on Technology Dependence on Sand Battery technology could lead to vulnerabilities if there are failures or limitations in its performance.
Environmental Impact of Sand Extraction Using natural sand for the battery may cause ecological disruption or depletion of local sand resources.
Grid Stability Risks As the share of weather-dependent energy grows, reliance on Sand Battery for grid balancing may not suffice during extreme weather events.
Funding and Government Support Dependency The project relies on grants from state bodies, raising concerns about sustainability if funding is reduced or removed.
Heat Demand Variability Fluctuations in heat demand may lead to inefficiencies in Sand Battery usage and potential oversupply or shortages.
Long-term Viability of Renewable Infrastructure The success of the Sand Battery hinges on evolving renewable energy technologies, which may face unforeseen challenges.

Behaviors

name description
Adoption of sustainable energy storage solutions Utilizing sand-based thermal energy storage to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance renewable energy use in district heating systems.
Integration of energy storage in grid balancing Participating in reserve and grid balancing markets leveraging stored thermal energy, thereby supporting energy supply and demand management.
Collaboration between technology providers and utilities Partnerships like that of Polar Night Energy and Lahti Energia to implement advanced energy systems demonstrate a trend towards collaborative solutions in the energy sector.
Innovative use of local resources Utilizing locally sourced natural sand for energy storage, promoting regional resource efficiency and sustainability in energy production.
Significant emissions reduction initiatives Projects aiming to cut fossil-based emissions drastically reflect a growing commitment to climate goals and improved environmental standards in energy production.

Technologies

name description
Sand Battery A thermal energy storage technology that uses sand to store and discharge heat for industrial or heating applications.
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Systems Systems that store thermal energy for later use, enhancing efficiency in heating networks and supporting grid balancing.

Issues

name description
Sand Battery Technology Use of sand as a thermal energy storage medium for sustainable heating solutions.
District Heating Innovation Integration of large-scale thermal energy storage in district heating networks for reduced emissions.
Fossil Fuel Reduction Significant reduction of fossil-based emissions in energy systems by utilizing alternative technologies.
Grid Balancing Solutions Emerging need for technologies that contribute to demand and supply balancing in energy grids.
Renewable Energy Integration Increased incorporation of renewable energy sources into heating systems for sustainability.