Microsoft and Aramco invest in modern superheated technology

Major corporations, including Saudi Aramco, Rio Tinto, and Microsoft, have made substantial investments in a cutting-edge thermal battery system designed to reduce energy consumption and emissions in heavy industries. These companies have injected capital into Rondo Energy, a US-based startup that has pioneered a zero-carbon energy storage and delivery system utilizing bricks to capture and retain heat over extended durations.

This kiln-like system leverages electricity to elevate the temperature of bricks to a scorching 1,500 degrees. When air is circulated through this 'battery,' it gets heated to approximately 1,000 degrees, making it ready for utilization as steam or hot air to drive generators.

Rondo Energy CEO, John O'Donnell, said: "To tackle our climate challenge, we need tools to build big, low-cost, clean energy infrastructure fast. This investment will help us grow our capacity to meet customer demand and begin to build at scale."

Remarkably, these brick batteries can sustain exceptionally high temperatures with minimal daily energy loss, estimated at a mere 1%. Furthermore, they boast an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years. The challenge of energy storage is a critical concern for the renewable energy sector. However, Rondo Energy contends that its groundbreaking system can effectively address this issue by providing a continuous supply of high-temperature clean heat that heavy industries demand, all while significantly reducing decarbonization costs when compared to other technologies.

What's more, the cost of energy storage with these batteries is claimed to be half that of traditional or hydrogen-based alternatives, according to the company. Interestingly, despite the innovation of the technology, the primary materials used are commonplace bricks and iron wire. This strategic choice was made to ensure that the batteries are widely accessible to heavy industries while minimizing supply chain risks. Rondo Energy has already secured $60 million in fresh funding, which will be instrumental in further scaling up the deployment of this groundbreaking technology. In addition to their financial support, companies like Rio Tinto, Aramco Ventures, SABIC, SCG, TITAN, and SEEIT have joined the firm's Strategic Investor Advisory Board (SIAB) to expedite the implementation of this innovative technology. Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund senior director, Brandon Middaugh, said: “We see a unique opportunity for Rondo's thermal storage solution to provide a pathway for industrial businesses to accelerate the clean energy transition."