Mining group Rio Tinto and thermal energy storage company Rondo Energy started front-end engineering and design work to integrate a 30 MW / 360 MWh heat battery into the Yarwun alumina refinery in Gladstone, Australia.
Utilizing refractory brick materials, the system stores off-peak grid electricity as high-temperature thermal energy and delivers steam up to 1,000°C at over 98% round-trip efficiency into the existing steam network.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency provides A$3.6 million in initial funding for design work, with up to A$38 million committed for construction if the project advances. If fully executed, the unit aims to reduce annual on-site carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 67,000 tons.
Rio Tinto & Rondo Energy initiate engineering study for heat battery at Yarwun alumina refinery
23 Oct 2026 17:33 reported by Joy Liu
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