#Finland #Renewable Energy #Sand Battery #Elisa #Pornainen

The World's Largest Sand Battery: A New Era in Energy Storage

In southern Finland, a groundbreaking project is underway: the construction of the world's largest Sand Battery in Pornainen. This innovative system promises to not only produce clean district heating but also significantly lower emissions, marking an important leap towards sustainable energy solutions.

A key player in this project is Elisa, Finland's leading telecom operator and digital services company. They have been chosen to implement an AI-powered energy flexibility solution that will efficiently manage the Sand Battery's charging and its participation in electricity reserve markets. This automation is essential for the Finnish district heating company Loviisan Lämpö, as it allows them to maximize savings and revenues through optimized energy management.

The Sand Battery, developed by the Tampere startup Polar Night Energy, acts as a large-scale heat storage unit, providing a unique mechanism for storing renewable energy. With Finland's district heating companies striving to minimize their fuel consumption and promote cleaner heating options for residents, the integration of Elisa's state-of-the-art technology couldn't come at a better time.

Jukka-Pekka Salmenkaita, Vice President of AI at Elisa, emphasized the importance of additional energy flexibility in the future of the energy sector. He stated that Elisa's AI-driven solution allows organizations with energy storage capabilities to be efficient contributors to both the economy and the environment.

Once operational, Loviisan Lämpö aims to generate over half of its district heating through electricity, leading to a remarkable 70% reduction in emissions within the Pornainen area, equating to about 160 tonnes less carbon dioxide annually.

Liisa Naskali, COO of Polar Night Energy, elaborated on the necessity for change, stating, "Burning fuels is not sustainable for the planet. A huge energy transition is underway, and Finland is investing heavily in new technologies to produce heat. With the ability to participate in reserve markets, we can effectively electrify district heating - a crucial development that Elisa supports in this initiative."

Optimized Operation Through Economic Incentives

The profitability of the Sand Battery hinges on optimizing its use based on fluctuations in electricity prices and reserve market conditions. Elisa's solution will automate the process, identifying the most economically advantageous times to heat the Sand Battery with electricity. For instance, during windy conditions, there might be an overproduction of electricity, prompting Fingrid, the Finnish transmission system operator, to incentivize Loviisan Lämpö to increase their electricity consumption.

Conversely, if energy production is low or if a major power facility goes offline, the Sand Battery's consumption will decrease. It can rely on stored heat for district heating needs - creating a flexible energy system adapted to real-time market conditions.

Making Renewable Energy Profitable

Elisa’s role is more than just being a technology provider; it's crucial for ensuring the Sand Battery's economic viability through reserve market revenues. According to Mikko Paajanen, CEO of Loviisan Lämpö, Elisa’s proven capabilities in reserve market operations bolster confidence in their partnership.

Finland is already a leader in carbon-neutral electricity, achieving 94% of its production from renewable sources in 2023. The ongoing electrification of heating systems remains pivotal for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that still arise from energy consumption in the country.

However, the inherent variability of renewable energy supplies imposes challenges on the electricity grid, necessitating a balance between supply and demand. Elisa’s AI solution facilitates this balance by leveraging various energy storage methods, including thermal solutions and batteries, effectively improving the grid's flexibility while making investments in energy storage economically viable.

Advanced AI Solutions Shaping Future Energy

Elisa’s commitment to reducing electricity costs has led to the creation of sophisticated AI technology that adapts to the shifting needs of the electricity system. Ville Väre, Director of Business Development at Elisa, notes that managing the rapidly changing electricity market manually is no longer feasible, hence the necessity for advanced automation.

The steel-clad Sand Battery, measuring 15 meters in diameter and 13 meters high, is projected to commence operations by early summer. Installation of electrical systems and piping is already in progress, with testing slated for the spring. Once operational, the Sand Battery is positioned to deliver a peak power output of 1 megawatt, with an impressive storage capacity of 100 megawatt-hours. This capability means it can effectively utilize electricity over several days or weeks, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Elisa's innovative energy storage optimization extends beyond utility companies; it has reached households, providing solutions like the Elisa Kotiakku domestic battery service designed to mitigate electricity price spikes and harness solar power production.

The Sand Battery presents not just a technical solution but a visionary step toward a future where sustainable energy practices redefine how communities interact with their power supply. With backing from Elisa and the ambition of Polar Night Energy, this initiative signifies that the shift to cleaner energy is not only necessary but achievable.

Conclusion

The inception of the world’s largest Sand Battery illustrates how cutting-edge technology and collaborative effort can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. With AI optimizing this innovative system, Finland is poised to take significant strides in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.