Pioneering Green Energy: The World's First Molten Salt Thermal Storage Facility in Esbjerg, Denmark.

The Good News -

In April 2024, Denmark unveiled the world's first thermal energy storage system using molten hydroxide salt to store green electricity at the newly inaugurated energy storage facility at Semco Maritime in Esbjerg. The green ribbon was ceremonially cut by Søren Gade, Chairman of the Danish Parliament and Port Esbjerg, alongside representatives from Hyme Energy, DIN Forsyning, and other key partners.

This first-of-a-kind installation started in 2022, shows great progress for the Danish energy sector. Its technology promises to change how we manage and utilise renewable energy, particularly during periods of low solar and wind activity.

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Project Background Facts - 

• Molten Salt Storage (MOSS) received DKK 13.2 million in support from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme (EUDP).
• The total budget for the project was DKK 24.7 million.
• The project aims to develop and build the world's first MW-scale thermal energy storage facility based on molten hydroxides.
• Storing green power in molten hydroxide salt heated up to 700 degrees Celsius at GWh-scale.
• Heat consumption accounts for half of global energy consumption and 40% of global carbon emissions.
• The plan is to commercialise the solution by 2026.
  

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From Innovation to Global Impact

The journey of this technology began with the Molten Salt Storage (MOSS) project, supported by the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP). Key players in this initiative include Alfa Laval Aalborg, KIRT X THOMSEN, SULZER, Seaborg, Aalborg University, and of course, Hyme Energy and DIN Forsyning. Together, they have developed a solution that, after successful testing, will be scaled up to a commercial facility capable of storing green electricity on a GWh scale.

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Quotes Relating to the Project -

Emphasising the collaborative spirit driving this project -

‍"Innovation is strengthened through collaboration, and at Hyme, we are not only on a mission about creating groundbreaking energy storage solutions; we also cultivate new, innovative partnerships. I am extremely proud of the project's partnership and our joint efforts. The green transition is not a solo ride – it is a collective mission, where change-ready users and innovative partners are the key to success. We are setting the stage together – not just towards 2030, but also towards a CO2-neutral 2050 – by proving that groundbreaking technologies can change our world towards a more sustainable future." - Emil Løvschall-Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Hyme Energy.

A Historic Moment for Danish Innovation -

‍"Innovation and green solutions are part of the DNA of Danish business. Developing and pioneering new paths benefit both the bottom line and our climate. Therefore, I am pleased that a new energy storage solution is now being introduced here in Esbjerg, which will be crucial for a successful transition of our energy system." - Søren Gade, Chairman of the Danish Parliament and Port Esbjerg.

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Technology Specifications - here’s what was put in place -

Technology That Stores Energy, Even When the Sun Doesn't Shine

The new facility's core technology is its ability to store green electricity as heat in molten hydroxide salt, maintaining temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius. This stored energy can then be converted back into steam or used as heat, making it available for industrial use and power generation when renewable sources are not producing energy. This capability is crucial for balancing the grid and ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply, moving us closer to a fully integrated, climate-friendly energy system.

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Why This Matters: Decarbonising Heat and Industry

Heat consumption accounts for half of global energy use and is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions. This technology addresses a critical area by enabling industries to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy for heat and steam production. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for processes ranging from electricity generation to manufacturing everyday goods, the MOSS technology takes a significant step toward decarbonising these sectors.

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Could the road to a sustainable future be paved with molten salt?

Watch this animation of how Hyme's thermal energy storage works and its applications: https://youtu.be/bbzr6sRks-w?si=HLT6CMm3aJe0R2KA

For further information on this article, please visit: https://www.semcomaritime.com/news/thermal-energy-storage