Next-generation solar thermal technology developed by some of Australia’s top scientists to help reduce industrial emissions is going commercial.

Promising green heat beyond that achieved by typical renewable energy sources, FPR Energy was launched on Tuesday in collaboration with global advisory firm RFC Ambrian and Japanese utility Osaka Gas.

The technology stands out by offering high-temperature heat and long-duration storage at competitive costs, according to RFC Ambrian chair Rob Adamson.

Newcastle-headquartered FPR Energy plans to develop a 50-megawatt thermal demonstration plant, with up to 16 hours of integrated energy storage, to prove the commercial viability of the technology.

Using abundant and low-cost ceramic particles to store sunlight as heat, the technology lends itself to long-duration energy storage for industrial processes, green fuel production and dispatchable power.

Importantly, the concentrated solar thermal technology is capable of producing temperatures up to 1200 degrees – an industry first.

CSIRO research director Daniel Roberts said it was a major step in meeting the growing demand for renewable solutions in heavy industries that will continue to require high heat but must cut emissions.

With industrial emissions accounting for 20 per cent of Australia’s carbon footprint, there are hopes the technology could be used in steel, cement and chemical production and refining minerals.

Hiroki Tanaka, head of next generation business development at Osaka Gas, said emission reduction and affordability of energy were often a dilemma for many industrial energy users.

But this particle-based technology, and possibility of thermal energy storage, offered a practical solution, Mr Tanaka said.

Some $15 million secured to commercialise the technology was the largest seed funding for a CSIRO co-founded venture to date.

FPR Energy follows previous CSIRO and RFC Ambrian ventures, including Chrysos, NextOre, Hadean Energy and MRead.

 

Marion Rae
(Australian Associated Press)