Electro-thermal batteries could beat out fossil fuel alternatives

Heat-based batteries have the potential to power plants and factories and become the latest decarbonization technology to compete with fossil fuel, The Financial Times reported earlier this week. The electro-thermal systems — made from rocks and bricks heated with electric coils — aim to tackle the significant challenge of heating industrial processes while cutting down carbon emissions.

Electro-thermal batteries rely on cheap electricity: These batteries can store cheap electricity during off-peak hours and then discharge heat over 18 hours, potentially cutting electricity costs by 30-40% from wholesale prices, FT writes. Their low-cost materials — EUR 15-20 per MWh compared to EUR 150 per MWh for electro-chemical batteries — and minimal energy loss make them competitive.

There are still some challenges: Current models only reach 400°C degrees, limiting their market potential, according to a report (pdf) by certified B corp Systemiq. Additionally, Europe's electricity pricing mechanisms do not pass on the benefits of cheap peak renewable production and lower grid congestion.