Use molten salt energy storage in heating and industry

Applied by
Norbis ParkNorbis Park
In partnership with
    Kyoto GroupKyoto Group
    Solar Impulse FoundationSolar Impulse Foundation

Summary

Kyoto Group's Norbis Park Heatcube, a molten salt thermal energy storage system, supports Norbis Park with replacing coal-generated district heating by renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions.

Context

This case study has been developed in partnership with the Solar Impulse Foundation, which is promoting – through assessing, certifying and facilitating access to finance - the multitude of clean and profitable solutions currently available worldwide. Discover more of Solar Impulse Foundation’s labelled solutions here.

The world's largest energy demand is for heat, primarily sourced from fossil fuels, accounting for 40% of global carbon emissions. This poses a significant challenge for emission reduction, particularly in the industrial sector, which accounts for 22% of total energy demand. While 45% of industrial heat demand (up to 500°C) can be electrified today, many companies still rely on fossil fuels for their heating needs.

District heating systems, often reliant on fossil fuels like coal, are a major contributor to carbon emissions. The Nordjylland Power Station (Norbis Park) in Aalborg, Denmark, a coal-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant, sought to decarbonize its heat generation and explore new sources of revenue. Kyoto Group's Heatcube, a thermal energy storage solution utilizing molten salt, emerged as one of the viable solutions to implement at Norbis Park and achieve these goals.


Solution

In September 2023, Kyoto Group installed a Heatcube pilot at the Nordjylland Power Station. This innovative technology stores thermal energy in molten salt, heated by renewable electricity or electricity sourced from the grid. The stored heat can then be used to provide district heating, replacing the need for coal-fired boilers.

Heatcube pilot at Nordjylland Power Station has the following key features:

  • Storage capacity: 18 MWh

  • Discharge load: 4 MW

  • Flexibility services: Approved by Energinet, the Danish TSO, as a provider of flexibility services in aFRR and mFRR for the DK1 area

  • Modularity and scalability: Heatcube's modular design allows for flexible configurations and can be scaled to meet the specific needs of various industries and applications

Impact

Sustainability impact

Climate

Scope 1 and 2: The technology’s pilot significantly reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by replacing coal-generated heat with heat produced from renewable electricity. The annual energy offset is equivalent to the consumption of 275 houses, providing a substantial environmental benefit. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, the technology contributes to the decarbonization of district heating and supports the transition towards a more sustainable energy system.

Scope 3: The technology 's indirect impact on Scope 3 emissions is substantial. By providing a viable solution for electrifying industrial process heat, it enables companies to reduce their indirect emissions associated with purchased energy and the use of fossil fuels in their supply chains.

Business impact

Benefits

The technology enables the power station to participate in the flexibility market as a balancing asset, generating additional income.

The technology optimizes grid design and reduces the need for grid expansion, which can lower energy costs for industries and increase their competitiveness. The technology also offers flexibility in sourcing electricity, allowing the power station to take advantage of lower electricity prices during off-peak hours and reducing overall energy costs.

While the initial investment in the technology is substantial, the long-term operational cost savings and potential for additional revenue streams make it a financially attractive solution. The technology's long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements further contribute to its cost-effectiveness.

Costs

While the initial investment in the technology is substantial, the long-term operational cost savings and potential for additional revenue streams make it a financially attractive solution. The technology's long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements further contribute to its cost-effectiveness.


Implementation

Typical business profile

This technology is well-suited for district heating providers, power plants, industrial facilities with heat demands between 135°C and 400°C, and companies looking to decarbonize their heat generation processes, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and explore new revenue opportunities in the energy market.

Approach

  1. Feasibility study: A comprehensive feasibility study is conducted to assess the specific heat demand profile, technical requirements, and integration possibilities within the existing infrastructure of the facility

  2. Design and engineering: the solution provider collaborates with the facility to provide a molten salt thermal energy storage system solution that meets their specific needs and integrates seamlessly with their existing systems

  3. Installation and commissioning: The energy storage system is installed and commissioned by the solution provider, ensuring proper integration with the district heating network or industrial processes, electrical grid, and any other relevant systems

  4. Operation and maintenance: The solution provider offers ongoing support for operation and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and maximizing the benefits of storage system

Stakeholders involved

  • Project leads: Kyoto Group, Nordjylland Power Station (Aalborg Forsyning Norbis Park)

  • Company functions: Engineering, Operations, Energy Management

  • Main provider: Kyoto Group

  • Other: Energinet (Danish TSO)

Key parameters to consider

  • Heat demand: The size and capacity of the energy storage system will depend on the specific heat demand of the district heating network or industrial process.

  • Electricity source: The availability and cost of renewable electricity or grid electricity for charging the technology are important considerations. The energy storage system can be charged with either renewable or grid electricity, offering flexibility in energy sourcing.

  • Regulatory framework: Compliance with local regulations and market mechanisms for participating in flexibility services is essential to maximize the financial benefits of the energy storage system.

Implementation and operations tips
  • Early stakeholder engagement: Early and continuous engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities, grid operators, and community members, is helpful for smooth project implementation and public acceptance.

  • Technical expertise: Partnering with experienced engineers and technicians with expertise in molten salt technology and thermal energy storage ensures the successful installation and operation of the energy storage system.

  • Performance monitoring and optimization: Implementing a robust monitoring system and continuously optimizing the energy storage system 's operation can maximize its efficiency, performance, and revenue generation potential.