#Australia #Rio Tinto #Gladstone #Rondo Energy #Thermal Energy

Pioneering Thermal Energy Storage in Australia

Rondo Energy and Rio Tinto have embarked on a revolutionary project aimed at addressing energy storage challenges in Australia. Recently, the two organizations announced the commencement of front-end engineering and design for a large-scale thermal energy storage system that promises to significantly enhance the production of high-pressure steam for industrial applications. With a capacity of 360 MWh and a discharge rate of 30 MW, the Rondo Heat Battery will be a milestone in thermal energy storage technology, specifically tailored for the mining and alumina refining sectors.

Funded in part by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the project is set to receive an initial injection of $3.6 million to facilitate engineering and design efforts. Upon successful completion of this phase, additional funding up to $38 million will be made available for the actual deployment of the technology. Furthermore, ARENA has allocated an extra $33.3 million in conditional support to alleviate risks associated with potential cost overruns or fluctuations in electricity costs, a crucial feature for projects of this scope.

The thermal energy storage system will be installed at Rio Tinto's Yarwun alumina refinery, situated near Gladstone, Queensland. This ambitious initiative marks a global first for the alumina industry and aims to stand as one of the foremost large-scale demonstrations of thermal energy storage for industrial process heat. In simple terms, Rondo Heat Batteries are designed to utilize excess solar energy generated during the day, storing it as high-temperature heat in refractory bricks, which is then available for continuous industrial processes, effectively transforming short periods of available power into reliable 24/7 energy solutions.

During peak sunlight hours, Australia often has a surplus of solar-generated electricity. Traditionally, industrial processes that rely on high-temperature steam require constant, round-the-clock energy, not just during sunny periods. Rondo’s innovative approach enables facilities to harvest low-cost electricity during peak solar production while ensuring that energy is delivered continuously, thus converting intermittent renewable electricity into a steady supply of low-cost steam for industrial use.

Dr. Kira Rundel, Rondo's Head of Australia, expressed her enthusiasm about the project's implications for the future of manufacturing in Australia. She stated, “This project demonstrates how Australia’s abundant renewable energy resources can position our industries for competitive advantage. Heat batteries are set to enable manufacturers to harness low-cost energy while curbing emissions, positioning local industries to better compete globally and support job creation.”

Rio Tinto’s Pacific Operations Managing Director, Armando Torres, recognized the complexities involved in reducing emissions from alumina refining, particularly in generating the high-pressure steam their operations necessitate. He noted that the study could reveal whether thermal energy storage offers a viable technical and economic alternative to fossil fuel dependency. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Torres highlighted the roles of industry, government, and technology partners in tackling these substantial challenges.

Rondo Energy specializes in providing firm heat and power solutions to heavy industries and data centers. Their Rondo Heat Batteries convert renewable energy into continuous high-temperature heat for industrial applications, achieving efficiencies that minimize emissions and energy costs while maintaining operational integrity. Since 2023, Rondo Heat Batteries have been delivering effective energy solutions in industrial sectors across the globe, with facilities already operational in the U.S. and Asia. Notably, Rondo has plans to deploy a 100 MWh Heat Battery for a chemical plant in Europe shortly.

With their global headquarters based in California and teams working across various regions, Rondo Energy is poised to play a fundamental role in the electrification of energy-intensive industries like alumina refining. Their strategic focus on matching innovative technology with industrial heat demands underscores their commitment to sustainability and economic efficiency across the sector.

Through the collaborative efforts of Rondo Energy and Rio Tinto, the future of energy storage and its integration into industrial systems is set to be redefined, promising significant advancements for the sectors involved and a meaningful reduction in environmental impacts.