Does HT Finland have a sand battery?

HT Finland has activated the world's largest sand battery in Pornainen, storing excess renewable energy as heat to power an entire town’s heating needs. The system cuts heating emissions by nearly 70%, using soapstone as a low-cost, long-duration thermal storage medium.

What is the future of energy storage in Finland?

Reserve markets are currently driving the demand for energy storage systems. Legislative changes have improved prospects for some energy storages. Mainly battery storage and thermal energy storages have been deployed so far. The share of renewable energy sources is growing rapidly in Finland.

How does Finland's new sand battery work?

Finland's new sand battery in Pornainen cuts emissions by 70% and stores 100 MWh, revolutionizing renewable energy storage and heating.

Which energy storage technologies are being commissioned in Finland?

Currently, utility-scale energy storage technologies that have been commissioned in Finland are limited to BESS (lithium-ion batteries) and TES, mainly TTES and Cavern Thermal Energy Storages (CTES) connected to DH systems.

Is energy storage legal in Finland?

Like the energy storage market, legislation related to energy storage is still developing in Finland. The two are intertwined as who is allowed to own and operate energy storages will define the business models of the storages. A major barrier to the implementation of ESS was removed when the issue of double taxation was solved.

Is energy storage a viable solution for the Finnish energy system?

This development forebodes a significant transition in the Finnish energy system, requiring new flexibility mechanisms to cope with this large share of generation from variable renewable energy sources. Energy storage is one solution that can provide this flexibility and is therefore expected to grow.