1414 Degrees (ASX:14D) is marching forward with the commercialisation push for its silicon-based thermal energy storage system known as SiBox, which has already shown its efficacy in delivering clean, renewables-generated heat for industrial processes for hours or days without the need for recharging.
In essence, the system could play a pivotal role in replacing fossil fuel-based heat in industrial processes whilst helping protect businesses against intermittent electricity supply and power outages.
As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, a resilient grid with flexibility and stability to withstand disturbances is a key cog in managing variability in power generation.
And the mass blackouts across Spain, Portugal, and parts of Western Europe in late April serve as a stark reminder of the need for resilient energy grids in a modern-day world characterised by economic decarbonisation.
Energy storage for a reliable power grid
According to the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, grids that rely on renewable energy could be vulnerable to disruptions if they don’t include long duration energy storage (LDES) solutions, as recently evidenced by the severe oscillations reported by Spain’s grid operator.
The organisation believes that LDES is critical for a secure energy future by providing essential grid services such as frequency regulation, voltage support, black start, synthetic inertia, and resilience.
LDES also helps to manage the supply and demand for electricity when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.
In turn, long duration thermal storage solutions such as SiBox could present a reliable solution for safeguarding industries against shutdowns.
The SiBox solution
SiBox is 1414 Degrees’ complete thermal energy storage system designed for retrofitting to heavy industry processes to provide clean heat output up to 900°C. From a look ahead perspective, this system has the potential to generate even higher heat output levels. Such an achievement would broaden the addressable market for 1414 Degrees’ thermal energy storage system to high temperature industries requiring heat levels exceeding 1,000°C.
It utilises the group’s proprietary SiBrick thermal energy storage technology to safely and efficiently store renewable electricity as latent heat, which is then available for use on demand.
And a combination of thermal storage and battery technology could allow a factory to maintain operational for hours during periods of grid instability.
Australian opportunity
At home, Australia has been at the forefront of renewable energy adoption and the deployment of large-scale lithium-ion battery storage, with industries shifting away from fossil fuels and growing their reliance on more variable energy sources.
According to management, this scenario creates a unique opportunity for Australia to spearhead the transition to long duration energy solutions such as SiBox, which converts intermittent renewable energy to reliable, efficient, and cost-effective clean heat.
The company’s innovative technology could also help safeguard Australian businesses against high energy prices during periods of high demand, ensuring their continued growth in a low-carbon future.
1414 Degrees executive chairman, Dr Kevin Moriarty, commented:
“The unreliability of renewable energy makes it very hard for industries to get off gas. But with thermal storage like SiBox®, we provide a solution that makes this transition not just possible, but practical.”
Commercialisation push
The SiBox technology has already been demonstrated as an effective medium- to high-temperature storage solution with more than 8,000 hours of continuous operation at the group’s demonstration module, which has been operational since March 2023.
1414 Degrees is now targeting numerous industries reliant on process heat for the adoption of its thermal energy storage technology.
In particular, the group has identified strategic markets in industries, including building products, food processing, pulp and paper, minerals processing and petrochemical refining, as well as applications like process gas heating in direct reduced iron. As an example, in alumina production, steam under 300°C accounts for 60% of the total heat load.
By focusing on diverse applications up to 800°C, the company is positioning itself to meet the growing demand for cost-effective, decarbonised heat across multiple industries. Looking ahead, 1414 Degrees has aspirations to expand its target market to include industries that require even higher temperatures, such as cement and steel manufacturing.
As part of its commercialisation push, 1414 Degrees aims to partner with manufacturers, engineering firms, and financiers to scale SiBox production and deployment. It believes the strong demand for decarbonisation solutions in Australia represents a key opportunity for growth.