June 2025, Pornainen, Finland: The world's largest sand battery, developed by Polar Night Energy, began operations.
The facility stores 100 MWh of thermal energy using 2,000 tons of crushed soapstone, providing 1 MW of thermal power.
This innovation aims to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 160 tons annually, decreasing the district heating network's climate impact by nearly 70%.
The sand battery heats sand to 500-600 degrees Celsius using renewable electricity, distributing heat for district heating.
It allows Pornainen to eliminate oil from its heating supply and reduce wood chip consumption by about 60%.
The existing biomass boiler serves as a backup, ensuring a reliable energy supply.
This project sets a precedent for sustainable energy solutions, potentially reshaping energy security in Europe.