MGA Thermal unveils “world’s first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) system”

In a breakthrough that could steam ahead of conventional energy storage, Australian innovator MGA Thermal has fired up the world’s first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) system capable of delivering 24/7 renewable industrial steam.

Unveiled Monday at the company’s Tomago site in Newcastle, the system harnesses the power of latent heat through cleverly engineered Miscibility Gap Alloy blocks – storing renewable energy like a thermal battery that releases its power as high-temperature steam on demand.

“The successful operation of this world-first system is a game-changer, proving that consistent, industrial-grade clean steam is not a future aspiration, but a reality today,” said Erich Kisi, Executive Chair, Chief Scientist, & Co-Founder at MGA Thermal.

The compact unit (roughly the size of a shipping container) packs a powerful punch, storing 5 MWh of energy that can be discharged continuously for 24 hours – enough to power 270 homes for the same period.

For industries reliant on steam – which accounts for 44 per cent of Australia’s heavy industrial energy consumption – this technology offers a way to break up with fossil fuels while maintaining their steamy relationship with reliable heat.

Unlike conventional systems that rely on sensible heat (which, ironically, isn’t always the most sensible approach), MGA Thermal’s latent heat storage delivers up to three times higher energy density in a smaller footprint.

“Our now-operational demonstration plant isn’t just a concept – it’s a commercially viable solution ready for deployment,” stated Mark Croudace, CEO at MGA Thermal. “As we gear up for full-scale commercialisation, our focus is on partnering with forward-thinking industries, both locally and globally, eager to embrace a sustainable future.”

The company aims to help abate 30 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030 through widespread adoption of its hot new technology.

Picture: Supplied