Can rocks be used for energy storage?

Researchers from Tanzania have found that common rocks, specifically soapstone and granite, may be ideal for thermal energy storage (TES), which involves storing solar heat for later use. The next generation of sustainable energy technology might be built from some low-tech materials: rocks and the sun.

Can solar energy be stored in rocks?

Sandia designed a small 100 kWh test project at its National Solar Thermal Test Facility. PV panels are installed at the site, which is being tested for its ability to store intermittent generation. “One of the advantages of thermal energy storage in rocks is that it can be built anywhere,” said Walter Gerstle, co-founder of CSolPower.

Can a rock bed be used for thermal energy storage?

If the current phase of testing is successful, several greenhouses in northern New Mexico are lined up to use the rock bed for thermal energy storage. “Instead of curtailing solar energy production, we would store it and use it during cold nights to keep the greenhouses warm enough to grow plants year-round,” Walter said.

Can thermal energy storage be built in rocks?

“One of the advantages of thermal energy storage in rocks is that it can be built anywhere,” said Walter Gerstle, co-founder of CSolPower. “It can be commodified and doesn’t require extensive permitting. We believe it can be implemented more quickly and economically than other approaches.”

Can soapstone and granite rocks be used as energy storage materials?

Experimental Investigation of Soapstone and Granite Rocks as Energy-Storage Materials for Concentrated Solar Power Generation and Solar Drying Technology. ACS Omega, 2023.

Why are some types of rocks more suitable for thermal energy storage?

These latter influence the rock properties and thus it could have a direct effect on their thermal behavior. These are precisely the reasons why some types of rocks may be more suitable than others for thermal energy storage applications.