Rondo Energy has commissioned a 100 MWh capacity heat battery, powered entirely by solar energy, that produces high-pressure steam at temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C to supply heavy industry.
US energy technology company Rondo Energy has launched what it describes as the world’s largest industrial heat battery at the Holmes Western Oil facility in California. The 100 megawatt-hour (MWh) system is fully powered by on-site solar panels and provides the facility with a continuous supply of high-pressure steam and heat. The project clearly demonstrates the tangible ability of renewable energy to directly support heavy industrial processes.
Successfully Passed Tests
During the day, the off-grid solar energy system charges the Rondo Heat Battery (RHB), and the stored heat meets the facility’s energy needs 24 hours a day. Following a 10-week testing period, the company announced that the system met all performance targets. Rondo’s data indicates that the battery achieved a round-trip efficiency of over 97% and operated stably at temperatures above 1,000 °C. This 100 MWh system is capable of producing energy equivalent to the heating needs of approximately 10,000 households. The company also has a 300 MWh system in development.
The new system operates directly integrated with the facility’s existing natural gas-fired boilers, producing steam using the same infrastructure. This allows solar power to replace natural gas without requiring any major infrastructure changes. This solution protects Holmes Western Oil from energy price volatility while mitigating risks associated with carbon markets and environmental regulations.
Utilizes Brick and Metal Wire
Rondo’s heat battery technology aims to decarbonize the demand for industrial heat, which accounts for approximately 25% of global energy consumption. The company’s investors include major funds such as Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Energy Impact Partners.
The operating principle of the system is remarkably simple. The Rondo battery stores energy using only bricks and metal wires. This eliminates the need for rare minerals, chemical components, or flammable materials. Furthermore, the system poses no risk of emissions or leaks. The battery is easily installed next to existing boilers and can produce steam at pressures exceeding 100 bar (1,450 psi).
Rondo Energy is currently undertaking new projects across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company emphasizes that its technology, being composed solely of standard industrial components, is rapidly scalable, providing a fundamental step toward globally carbon-neutral industrial production.
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