Finland's Sand Battery Cuts Emissions 70% Without a Single Rare Earth
Europe is falling far behind on energy storage installation exactly when it’s most needed. The continent’s energy security is under significant threat as it contends with its third energy crisis in four years thanks to the region’s over-reliance on imported fossil fuels. While the European Union has made major inroads toward adding solar and wind capacity to help diversify the bloc’s energy mix,…
Europe faces a growing energy storage crisis as reliance on fossil fuels endangers energy security. The EU aims to triple its storage capacity to 200 GW by 2030, but lithium-ion batteries dominate the market. Yet, lithium-ion batteries have drawbacks, including short storage time, and China holds a near-monopoly on battery technologies.
Finland's Loviisa Heating Company aims to break this dependency by constructing Europe's largest sand battery in the town of Pornainen. With a capacity to meet heating demands for up to a month in summer and up to a week in winter, the sand battery could reduce emissions by 70% without relying on rare earth materials. While not as energy-efficient as lithium-ion batteries, the sand battery offers a potential solution for other towns looking to enhance energy resilience and sustainability.
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