1414 Degrees announces biogas-powered TESS start-up
Australian energy innovator 1414 Degrees has announced the start-up of its patented thermal energy storage system (TESS), powered by biogas.
On 1 May, the company’s first commercial pilot site – SA Water’s Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant – began operations, with the release of biogas from wastewater digesters.
“This marks a pivotal phase in the commissioning process, firing the burners for the first time and heating up the thermal energy store,” said Kevin Moriarty, executive chairman of 1414 Degrees. “Importantly, we will pay for the biogas we use and sell electricity at market prices to test the revenue model.”
According to the company, the GAS-TESS will allow SA Water to time-shift the use of biogas to produce electricity and heat on demand.
“SA Water is working to reduce operational expenses to maintain low and stable water prices for our customers,” added SA Water CEO Roch Cheroux. “Time shifting of heat and electricity output from the GAS-TESS is expected to provide more control over heat flows to maximise our biogas generation and result in reduced costs of our energy requirements.”
Moriarty continued: “Partnering with us to pilot this world first technology demonstrates visionary leadership for SA. The wastewater management industry is watching closely, as are many other heat dependent industries looking to reduce energy costs, save jobs and lower environmental impacts.”
The pilot project is co-funded by the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund and 1414 Degrees shareholders, while the development of TESS technology received a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
“This shows South Australia is leading energy technology development, something the Marshall Government is fully committed to,” commented Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan. “1414 Degrees’ TESS is the result of collaboration within our state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to global opportunities for SA. This new thinking is solving problems and creating opportunities as we transition to a new energy environment. It will take innovative companies like 1414 Degrees to ensure energy security.”
The company plans to scale up its TESS technology to gigawatt hour capacity.
