For a long time, society has adopted green energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines. But what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow? Nature can be unpredictable, which presents a problem. Humanity needs a consistent energy supply to go about their day. Are there other, more reliable options?
What Are Sand Batteries?
Sand batteries serve as thermal energy storage units. They use low-grade sand as a medium to store thermal energy generated by renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
These energy sources heat the sand to high temperatures — at around 500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot sand can then hold the heat for months at a time.
When the weather changes and solar or wind energy is low, the stored heat is then converted into electricity. Sand batteries help fill the gaps in intermittent energy sources.
Thermal energy has already been utilized for years for sustainability in the form of geothermal energy. as a s for sustainable energy. Geothermal energy uses the Earth’s natural underground heat, which can harness a lot of power. In 2020 alone, over 14,000 megawatts (MW) of electrical power was produced through geothermal energy.
However, sand batteries elevate geothermal energy’s potential by providing a much more efficient way to store thermal energy, as well as energy from other sustainable sources, for long periods of time. But what else can we expect from sand batteries?
How Sand Batteries Impact Green Energy
Here are the various ways sand batteries can change how we utilize green energy.
1. Sustainable Material
Sand is everywhere, and it’s one of the most abundant materials on the planet. Unlike traditional batteries that use materials like lithium or cobalt — which are limited and harder to source — sand is easy to obtain.
Thus, sand may be far less harmful to the environment than traditional batteries. The sourcing process doesn’t come with the same level of pollution, land degradation, or human rights concerns often associated with mining operations.
2. Energy Storage Efficiency
Although using solar energy is beneficial, using sand batteries to store solar energy may maximize its benefits. Sand can hold onto heat for long periods, storing your generated solar or wind energy. Its ability to retain heat makes it a great solution for storing renewable energy and using it when you need it most.
Sand batteries may also be a cost-efficient storage solution. They could be cheaper to produce and maintain since sand is easy to source and the system is relatively simple. This could make green energy storage more affordable for homes and businesses.
3. Renewable Energy Integration
One of the biggest challenges with renewable energy is that it’s not always readily available. Sand batteries store excess energy during peak production and release when energy demand is higher or when the renewable source isn’t generating. This way, little to no energy is wasted.
These batteries may also help stabilize the power grid. For instance, when there’s a power outage or sudden changes in energy supply, sand batteries can provide backup power — storing up to 8 MW of thermal energy.
4. Carbon Emissions Reduction
Using a sand battery is one way to decarbonize your life and reduce fossil fuel usage. Since sand batteries don’t rely on fossil fuels, they naturally contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Their ability to store renewable energy helps reduce the need for carbon-heavy energy sources like coal or natural gas.
The more renewable energy we can rely on, the less we need fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources may account for about 42% of our electricity generation by 2028. Sand batteries can help make the transition toward cleaner energy easier and more practical.
5. Long Life Span and Durability
Sand batteries may last longer than traditional batteries. They don’t wear out quickly, so you won’t need to replace them as often. Their robustness helps cut down on waste and cost over time.
Sand batteries are also durable. Sand can handle extreme temperatures and repeated heating and cooling cycles without breaking down. Its durability is ideal for long-term energy storage.
6. Application Versatility
Sand batteries are flexible. They can be used for small-scale applications like storing energy for your home and garden or for large-scale uses like managing energy at the grid level. They’re valuable tools for different energy needs.
Simple Material, Big Impact
Sand is a simple material that can make a major impact on our environment. They can be a promising solution to make green energy more accessible. These batteries bridge the gaps when solar or wind power isn’t available.
With their ability to store energy efficiently, use sustainable materials, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, they play a key role in our green energy future. Sand batteries are a reliable, long-lasting option that can make renewable energy more accessible and consistent.
As we continue to move toward cleaner energy, innovations like these are paving the way for a more sustainable world.
Jack Shaw is the senior Outdoors writer for Modded, a men’s lifestyle publication. An avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, he’ll often find himself taking retreats out to explore his environment and encourages others to do the same in ways that are sustainable and beneficial to the environment.
Image by mostafa meraji
