In Finland a small experimental project is starting to shape up as a possible solution to one of the renewables sector’s most intractable problems - both in reality and in the popular perception of conservative and skeptical populations. That is, how to provide consistent and reliable energy when the wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine (amongst others).
By enclosing a modest 100 tonnes of low grade “builder’s sand” enclosed in a silo and heating it to 600C with renewable sources the energy is retained and can be called on to produce electricity for about 100 homes by using heat exchange pipes.
The immediate benefits are that it is a cheap, relatively low-tech alternative to the battery problem, with much lower negative impacts in the production and disposal phases and should therefore be able to be implemented at a global scale regardless of development level or financial position.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.