Rio Tinto plans 360 MWh heat battery, Australia’s largest for Yarwun alumina refinery

Rio Tinto is assessing the use of thermal energy storage at its Yarwun alumina refinery in Queensland, Australia, through a partnership with Rondo Energy. The proposed system would store 360 MWh of energy and deliver heat at a rate of 30 MW, potentially reducing the refinery’s reliance on fossil fuels to produce steam.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed AUD 3.6 million (USD 2.5 million) for front-end engineering and design studies. A further AUD 38 million (USD 27 million) could be made available to support installation if the study is completed successfully and the project proceeds.

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The proposed installation would be among the first large-scale industrial demonstrations of thermal energy storage for process heat and, according to the project announcement, a first for the alumina industry.

At alumina refineries, producing the high-pressure steam required for operations is a major challenge in reducing emissions. Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Managing Director Armando Torres said, “This study will help us determine whether thermal energy storage can provide a technically and economically viable alternative to fossil fuels for part of Yarwun’s steam requirements.” 

Rondo’s technology uses electricity to heat refractory bricks and then supplies the stored heat to industrial facilities, typically as steam. By drawing electricity when prices are low and supply is abundant, the system is designed to provide heat continuously rather than relying on electricity prices at the time of use.

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Torres said, “The best way to tackle challenges of this scale is through collaboration between industry, government, and technology partners.”

The study will examine whether the technology can be integrated into Yarwun’s existing steam network and whether it is technically and economically viable. The refinery’s processes would continue to operate as before, while the energy source used to generate some of its heat could change.

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Dr Kira Rundel, Rondo’s head of Australia, said the project could demonstrate how Australian industry can use available energy to meet its continuous heat requirements. She further added, “Australia’s largest heat battery will show how factories can cut emissions without increasing energy costs, helping Australian industry to increase global competitiveness and supporting local manufacturing jobs.”