Thailand Cement Plant Pioneers Thermal Energy Storage, Paving Way for Industrial Decarbonization

Saruburi, Thailand – A cement plant in Saruburi, Thailand, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to decarbonize industrial heat, deploying a novel thermal energy storage system developed by US-based firm Rondo Energy. The project, a partnership with Thai industrial conglomerate SCG, marks a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of cement production, one of the world’s most energy-intensive industries.

For decades, cement manufacturing has relied heavily on burning fossil fuels to achieve the extreme temperatures needed for clinker production—the key ingredient in cement. This process contributes roughly 7% of global CO2 emissions. However, the new installation at SCG’s facility introduces a potential game-changer: storing surplus renewable energy as heat and delivering it on demand, bypassing the need for fossil fuels altogether.

Beyond Batteries: The Promise of Thermal Energy Storage

While battery storage has gained prominence in the renewable energy landscape, it's not always the optimal solution for providing continuous, high-temperature heat required by industries like cement. Traditional batteries can be expensive and have limited capacity for long-duration, high-temperature applications. Thermal energy storage (TES) offers an alternative.

“The challenge with industrial heat is not just the amount of energy needed, but the type of energy,” explains an energy analyst familiar with the project. “Batteries excel at electricity storage, but converting that electricity to high-temperature heat is inefficient and costly. TES directly stores heat, making it a more effective solution for these processes.”

Rondo’s technology utilizes a simple yet ingenious approach: storing electricity as heat in abundant, low-cost materials – firebricks and wire. Excess renewable energy, such as solar or wind, heats these materials to incredibly high temperatures, exceeding 1400°C. The stored heat can then be discharged as steam, providing consistent, on-demand process heat for the cement plant—or other industrial applications.

A Modular Approach to Scalability

One key aspect of the Rondo system is its modular design. The company’s new platform allows for flexible unit sizing, ranging from 33 MWh to over 1 GWh, making it adaptable to various industrial needs. “The modularity is critical,” says a source involved in the project’s implementation. “It allows facilities to start small and scale up as their renewable energy capacity grows. It’s a far more practical approach than building a massive, single-unit storage system.”

SCG is not only deploying the technology but also establishing a local manufacturing base, a commitment that significantly enhances the project’s scalability and economic viability. The company plans to expand production capacity of Rondo Heat Battery storage to 90 GWh per year. “Local manufacturing reduces transportation costs, creates jobs, and ensures a stable supply chain,” explains an industry expert. “It’s a strategic move that demonstrates SCG’s long-term commitment to decarbonization.”

Thailand Leads the Way in Industrial Decarbonization

This project positions Thailand as a leader in industrial decarbonization within Southeast Asia, a region facing rapidly growing energy demand and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The cement industry in Thailand, like elsewhere, is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.

“The region needs sustainable industrial solutions, and this project shows that it’s possible to combine economic growth with environmental responsibility,” says a sustainability consultant specializing in the cement industry. “It’s a powerful message to other countries in the region.”

While the initial deployment is at the cement plant, the technology has broader applications. Rondo’s system can be adapted to provide heat for a variety of industries, including chemicals, steel, food processing, and paper manufacturing.

Beyond Cost: Addressing the Challenges of TES

The economic viability of thermal energy storage hinges on several factors. While Rondo claims its system is cost-competitive, particularly when utilizing low-cost renewable electricity, the initial investment can be significant. However, long-term savings from reduced fuel costs and carbon taxes can offset the upfront costs.

Another challenge is maintaining the high temperatures required for long-duration storage. Heat loss can occur over time, reducing the efficiency of the system. Rondo’s design incorporates advanced insulation materials and heat management techniques to minimize heat loss.

Furthermore, integrating thermal storage into existing industrial infrastructure requires careful planning and coordination. Retrofitting existing facilities can be complex and costly. However, the modularity of the Rondo system simplifies the integration process.

A Future Powered by Heat

The deployment of Rondo’s thermal energy storage system at the SCG cement plant is a landmark achievement in the quest for industrial decarbonization. It demonstrates that sustainable, low-carbon solutions are not only feasible but also economically viable.

“This is a game-changer for industries that rely on high-temperature heat,” says an analyst specializing in renewable energy. “It’s a pathway to drastically reduce emissions and create a more sustainable future.”

The project is expected to serve as a model for other industrial facilities around the world, paving the way for a future powered by clean, sustainable heat. As countries around the globe strive to meet their climate goals, thermal energy storage is poised to play an increasingly important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

SCG and Rondo Energy plan to continue scaling up the technology, expanding its deployment across Southeast Asia and beyond, and furthering the development of innovative thermal storage solutions. The future of industrial heat is looking brighter – and cleaner – than ever before.