Energy storage system to be piloted at SA wastewater plant

A molten silicon energy storage system developed by South Australian innovator 1414 Degrees is about to undergo a commercial pilot, with large components of the technology making their way to SA Water’s Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant this week.

1414 Degrees’ biogas Thermal Energy Storage System (GAS-TESS) will store energy generated from biogases created during wastewater treatment to increase the plant’s energy self-sufficiency. The project is co-funded by 1414 Degrees and the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund, while a partnership with SA Water provides an environment to pilot the system’s ability to integrate energy storage and heat with industrial operations.

“We expect to commission the GAS-TESS in March 2019 and provide immediate returns for SA Water, while at the same time building a foundation for the wider application of the 1414 Degrees technology at similar sites across the globe,” said Dr Kevin Moriarty, Executive Chairman of 1414 Degrees.

“Our timing could not be better, with an increasing focus on the critical importance of renewable energy to ensuring a sustainable future for Australia.”

1414 Degrees’ original technology was developed with a focus on electrical input, such as solar or wind power. In 2017 the company’s engineering team commenced development of an additional offering — the GAS-TESS — in response to a request from SA Water for technology that would allow a biogas input to store energy.

“Embracing innovative, world-leading technology and ways of thinking is essential to reducing our electricity costs and maintaining low and stable pricing for our customers,” said SA Water Chief Executive Roch Cheroux.

“To date, we have used biogas produced by our wastewater treatment processing at Glenelg to generate electricity and cover up to 80% of the plant’s needs.

“As well as realising the benefits of increased energy self-sufficiency, we can support South Australian innovation and, hopefully, lead a global charge to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of energy-intensive wastewater treatment operations.”

Over the past two years, 1414 Degrees has raised $30 million in capital both privately and through an initial public offering (IPO) to support the business’s push into commercial industries. In addition to preparing the GAS-TESS for implementation at Glenelg, the company has been commissioning its 10 MWh TESS-IND and assessing sites for its 200 MWh TESS-GRID product line.

Top image caption: The first components of 1414 Degrees’ GAS-TESS begin arriving at SA Water’s Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant this week.

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