1414 Degrees has commissioned the 10MWh biogas-powered thermal energy storage system (GAS-TESS), at SA Water’s Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant in Australia.
Image: South Australia Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan at the project opening ceremony. Photo: Courtesy of 1414 DEGREES AUSTRALIA.
1414 Degrees said that its 10MWh GAS-TESS stated taking biogas from the wastewater treatment plant and will soon begin generating electricity and heat on demand to SA Water.
GAS-TESS was co-funded by the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund (RTF) and 1414 Degrees. Development of the technology was supported through a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. At present, the project was installed as a trial.
1414 Degrees executive chairman Kevin Moriarty said: “This marks a pivotal phase in the commissioning process, firing the burners for the first time and heating up the thermal energy store. Importantly, we will pay for the biogas we use and sell electricity at market prices to test the revenue model.”
Moriarty continued saying: “Partnering with us to pilot this world first technology demonstrates visionary leadership for SA. The wastewater management industry is watching closely, as are many other heat dependent industries looking to reduce energy costs, save jobs and lower environmental impacts.”
The technology works by taking gas or electricity from any source and will store it as latent heat in silicon. The biogas generated from the wastewater plant’s digestors and will store the thermal energy until needed.
The energy from the latent heat can be used and distributed as heat and electricity and can help SA Water in achieving its target of zero net energy cost from 2020.
The system is also expected to support grid stability by feeding power back into the grid during peak times and supplying heat from industrial purposes.
SA Water CEO Roch Cheroux said: “SA Water is working to reduce operational expenses to maintain low and stable water prices for our customers. Time shifting of heat and electricity output from the GAS-TESS is expected to provide more control over heat flows to maximise our biogas generation and result in reduced costs of our energy requirements.”