Rondo Energy has announced the operation of its first full-scale thermal battery, which is claimed to be the largest in the world, with a capacity of 100 megawatt-hours. This system utilizes an off-grid solar array to generate heat for enhanced oil recovery, showcasing a significant advancement in thermal energy storage technology. With the ability to achieve high temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C and demonstrate over 97% energy efficiency, this project is seen as a pivotal development in industries traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.
Despite the exciting advancements, the application of this thermal battery for enhanced oil recovery raises concerns. Some critics argue that while decarbonization efforts are necessary, using advanced technologies to extract fossil fuels can undermine broader climate goals. Rondo’s founder, John O’Donnell, argues that helping oil and gas companies adopt solar technologies is a pragmatic approach to facilitate immediate decarbonization. This project’s successful implementation could set a precedent for future developments in the thermal battery sector, as Rondo plans to build additional units in Europe, effectively scaling its operations based on the lessons learned from the California project.
👉 Pročitaj original: MIT Technology Review – AI
