Sustainability
To mitigate climate change, we need storage solutions for energy generated from weather-dependent renewable sources such as the sun and wind. Polar Night Energy designs energy solutions that can be used to reduce climate emissions and pollution while advancing circular economy.
Fighting Climate Change
Climate change, driven primarily by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is a critical global issue. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that global temperatures have risen by over 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, underscoring the urgent need for action to combat this crisis.
Thermal energy storage systems like Polar Night Energy’s Sand Battery play a crucial role in addressing climate change. By storing excess low-emission electricity, these systems support the expansion of wind and solar power while reducing GHG emissions. Without sufficient storage, increased renewable energy production can lead to curtailment, where excess power goes to waste.
The Sand Battery also helps balance the electricity grid, managing fluctuations in production and consumption to maintain grid stability. This capability is particularly valuable in grid balancing markets, where storage operators are compensated for stabilizing the grid.
Additionally, high-temperature thermal energy storage can replace combustion-based technologies in industrial applications that require temperatures above 150°C. This transition supports the move away from fossil fuels, making renewable energy viable for a broader range of processes.
Mission Innovation estimates that by 2030, Polar Night Energy’s Sand Battery could help avoid over 100 million tons of CO2e annually, equivalent to nearly twice the current emissions of New York City or about 3% of the EU’s total emissions. This demonstrates the significant potential of this innovation to make a global impact on emission reduction.
Reducing Pollution
Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas releases harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the air. Biomass combustion also contributes significantly to air pollution, especially in regions where it is used for heating and cooking.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, posing serious health risks.
In contrast, Polar Night Energy’s Sand Battery operates solely on electricity from electric resistors, producing no air pollutants.
Additionally, all materials used in the storage system are safe, with no risk of toxic or harmful substances leaking into the soil. This safeguards both the local environment and nearby communities.
Embracing The Circular Economy
Polar Night Energy prioritizes the use of sand or sand-like materials that are unsuitable for the construction industry, focusing on high-density, low-cost materials that are abundant and non-scarce.
Innovative technology
Our technology is highly flexible: the Sand Battery can utilize materials with different mineral compositions, a wide range of grain sizes, and no specific microscopic requirements for sand grains.
Local manufacturing
This adaptability allows for the use of locally available, commonly found materials – even those often considered waste. What might be someone else’s dirt can serve as a thermal energy storage medium for Polar Night Energy.
Repurposing by-products
By-products from mining or industrial processes can be repurposed, and we actively collaborate with partners to identify sustainable, affordable, and thermally efficient materials.
Long life cycle
The Sand Battery is designed to last for decades, with all construction materials being recyclable and non-toxic, while the storage medium itself is reusable.
Additionally, the Sand Battery can easily integrate with existing infrastructure, offering a straightforward and cost-effective path to a combustion-free energy solution.
Social & Cultural Sustainability
Polar Night Energy designs solutions that provide affordable, clean energy while supporting local communities in achieving energy self-sufficiency and security.
Our thermal energy storage systems are constructed in collaboration with local partners and contractors, and the storage medium is often locally sourced.
According to Mission Innovation, Polar Night Energy’s thermal energy storage has a strong positive impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. It also enhances local energy security and contributes to SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Our Sand Battery has sparked widespread enthusiasm. After it went viral in the summer of 2022, people worldwide began sharing social media posts and videos of their own homemade versions. This excitement highlights the need for pioneers in energy innovation and climate action.
The Sand Battery has been featured in major media outlets and has inspired blog posts, children’s news, and student projects, igniting a global interest in clean energy.
Get Started
Are you ready to switch to clean, affordable energy and fight climate change? Start your journey with us.
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