illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on BGR or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A giant sand battery in Finland, announced by Polar Night Energy, promises an innovative approach to storing energy
• The battery will be a massive silo filled with sand or similar material, capable of storing heat from excess energy generated by renewable sources for months, which can then be converted back into electricity or used for heating

🔭 The context: The technology utilizes a heat exchange process to transfer energy into the sand, making it possible to retain the heat with minimal loss over time
• This solution is directly tied to the heating system of the Pornainen municipality, offering a sustainable method to manage and utilize excess renewable energy

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The sand battery significantly reduces the carbon footprint of local heating systems by almost 70%, representing a major step forward in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change
• It exemplifies how innovative storage solutions can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy sources

⏭️ What's next: The battery's implementation will not only demonstrate the viability of sand as a medium for energy storage but could also pave the way for similar projects worldwide
• Its success may encourage further research and development in energy storage technologies, crucial for the global transition to renewable energy

💬 One quote: "Extra energy generated by renewable sources like wind turbines can be turned into heat and stored in sand batteries for months at a time." - Polar Night Energy.

📈 One stat: The giant sand battery will have an output power of 1 MW and a capacity of 100 MWH, equating to one week's worth of heat in winter or a month's worth in summer for the town of Pornainen.

Click for more news on battery tech