Emission-free steam and heat cost-effectively

ELSTOR OY POPULARISES DEMAND-RESPONSIVE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION WITH ITS NEW STORAGE SOLUTION. ELECTRICITY PRODUCED USING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IS STORED AS THERMAL ENERGY THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED AS HEAT OR STEAM FOR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES.

The adoption of low-carbon solutions and modes of energy production are significant steps towards a carbon-neutral future.

– We are genuinely contributing to the fight against climate change through technology. Our solution is a way to reduce emissions cost-effectively, says Kari Suninen, CEO of Elstor.

The thermal storage replaces the need to burn oil, gas or liquid gas, for example. It also significantly reduces the cost of producing steam and heat and combines peaks of energy demand with lowest electricity prices. Charging and discharging the thermal storage take place independently of each other, meaning that it can provide a control service as an additional service for grid companies.

According to Suninen, a single Elstor thermal storage unit can reduce CO2 emissions from steam or heat production by as much as 500 tonnes per year. The emission reduction potential depends on the fuel being replaced and the electricity used.

– The figure corresponds to the annual emissions of about 450 single-family homes heated with oil.

In steam production, the potential for a climate leap is significant as much of steam is still produced using fossil fuels, he adds.

The thermal storage is an agile and flexible solution for the needs of small and medium-sized industrial companies. The device is a separate unit that can be installed next to an existing plant and, if necessary, transported to another location. The storage can be controlled and managed remotely, and its maintenance needs are limited to a small number of pumps and actuators.

– The thermal storage also pays itself back in a competitive period of time when compared to the annual costs of natural gas and oil, for example. A high discharge power and efficiency guarantee that the solution is suitable for a wide range of heat and steam applications.