Shell-backed energy storage pilot suspends operations after overheating prompts 'explosion fears'
The plant's developer, Australian start-up MGA Thermal, is pioneering a method of storing excess green energy in metal blocks
Operations at a Shell-backed pilot of pioneering energy storage technology have been halted for investigations after a dangerous heat build-up sparked fears of an explosion.
Fire and police departments said they evacuated staff from Australian start-up MGA Thermal, the operator of the facility, and 15 neighbouring businesses within an 800-metre exclusion zone on 6 October. The area has since been deemed safe.
The shipping container the energy storage tech was sitting in had overheated from 700 degrees C to around 1,200 degrees C and was said to be “glowing red” by a reporter on the scene.
MGA uses shoebox-sized aluminium graphite metal blocks to store heat energy produced at wind or solar farms.
The stored energy can then be used as steam for power generation or heating as required, with potential applications cited as including hydrogen production and high-temperature industrial processes.
MGA had last week begun commissioning its 5MWh demonstration unit, which it said would validate the performance of the tech. The plant received a roughly $800,000 grant from the Australian government last year.
“We’re thankful for the quick and comprehensive support of emergency services to help contain and manage the overheating.”
They continued that the incident is a reminder of the “importance of in-house trials” when working on “cutting-edge technology.”
The learnings will help “accelerate” the development of the system and they said MGA “remains committed” to moving forward.