€4.2M Sand Battery Aims to Cut CO₂ by 70% in Finland

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A new sand battery pilot in Finland will do what existing ones can't - turn stored heat back into electricity.

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Slide 2: Polar Night Energy's €4.2M project in Valkeakoski must reach scorching 600°C temperatures to make electricity generation possible.

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Current sand batteries only provide heat for industries or heating homes - this next-gen version completes the energy storage loop.

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What makes this battery special? It can achieve 30-35% electrical efficiency and up to 90% when used for combined heat and power.

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"Bold ideas and practical solutions are needed, and this Sand Battery pilot is a perfect example," says Olli-Pekka Marttila, CEO of Valkeakosken Energia.

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The world's first commercial Sand Battery has been running since 2022 in Kankaanpää with 8 MWh capacity and 60-75% heat storage efficiency.

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Beyond sand, the pilot will test soapstone - a byproduct from fireplace manufacturing - creating a circular economy opportunity.

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How much can this technology help our climate? Similar systems could cut district heating CO₂ emissions by up to 70% when deployed.

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Backed by a €2.1M grant from Business Finland, the 2.5-year research project will test material technology for these extreme temperatures.

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Construction begins autumn 2025 at Pispantalli in Valkeakoski, with initial heat-charging tests starting early 2026.

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The technology stores cheap electricity as heat when renewable sources like wind and solar produce excess energy.

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