In Short : Incubated at IISc’s Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID), India’s deep-tech business Voltanova is promoting thermal energy storage systems as a viable, affordable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. By collecting excess electricity, particularly from renewable energy sources, and storing it as heat for later use, these cutting-edge energy systems provide clean energy continuity and aid in the energy transition.
The Significance of Thermal Batteries in Clean Energy
- Cost-effective, Long-Duration Storage: One of the main obstacles to expanding solar and wind energy projects is addressed by thermal batteries, which are made for long discharge cycles and provide clean energy and grid backup around-the-clock.
- Advantage of Local Materials & Decarbonization: Voltanova’s technology uses abundant local materials, which is in line with Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, in contrast to lithium-ion batteries that rely on rare and frequently imported minerals. This strategy improves resilience and energy sovereignty.
- Extremely Scalable and Efficient Design: The system’s expenses are only one-fifth of those of conventional lithium-ion systems. This is accomplished by its simply manufactured, modular designs, extended lifespan, low degradation, and interoperability with current industrial settings, which increases green tech employment and energy efficiency.
- Industrial-Scale Readiness: Equipped with patented insulation and thermal systems, the technology can withstand temperatures as high as 2,000 °C. It is designed to be quickly deployed, making it perfect for industrial energy storage and supporting heavy industries and manufacturing that need constant high-temperature energy.
More General: The Clean Energy Ecosystem’s Use of Thermal Storage
Thermal batteries meet the increasing demand for alternative energy storage, particularly as the use of wind turbines and variable solar panels (PV) grows: Due to its low cost, extended lifespan, and compatibility with climate action goals, startups worldwide are investigating heat-based storage utilizing salt, bricks, and liquid air. Technologies for long-duration energy storage (LDES) are already demonstrating cost competitiveness: According to BloombergNEF, depending on location and duration, thermal energy storage systems typically cost about $345/kWh, which is less than the $454/kWh of four-hour lithium-ion systems. Future options for grid-level energy storage that are scalable and use readily available, basic materials include ideas such as Carnot batteries, which store electricity as heat and then convert it back using heat engines. An excellent illustration of how sustainable energy solutions may promote not only the energy transition but also decarbonization, green jobs, and climate action—all while enhancing energy independence—is Voltanova’s thermal battery innovation.
