--- description: Thermal batteries by Antora Energy are eco-friendly solutions that can deliver electricity or process heat up to 1500° C. title: Antora Brings Cost-Effective and Efficient Thermal Energy Storage - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Antora-Brings-Cost-Effective-and-Efficient-Thermal-Energy-Storage.png --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Latest News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) # Antora Brings Cost-Effective and Efficient Thermal Energy Storage By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)January 26, 20247 Mins Read ![Antora Brings Cost-Effective and Efficient Thermal Energy Storage](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Antora-Brings-Cost-Effective-and-Efficient-Thermal-Energy-Storage-1024x683.webp "Antora Brings Cost-Effective and Efficient Thermal Energy Storage") Industries worldwide depend on large amounts of heat for processes like smelting of metals and transforming sand into glass. Currently, they rely heavily on fossil fuels for this heat, making the search for an efficient and sustainable alternative a critical undertaking. Thermal batteries by Antora Energy use solar and wind energy to heat carbon blocks, offering a practical solution for industrial heat and power needs. These batteries are revolutionizing the hard-to-decarbonize industrial sector, offering a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy storage methods. [Antora Energy](https://antoraenergy.com/) have found a solution with their innovative thermal battery technology, which harnesses surplus solar and wind power to elevate carbon blocks to scorching, radiant temperatures. This technology can swiftly deliver electricity or process heat of up to an astounding 2000° C whenever required. This electricity is used to **heat graphite blocks** to temperatures exceeding 3,200° F within a thermally insulated container. By opening a window in the container, the stored heat is released and can **also be converted into electricity** using [thermophotovoltaic](https://energytheory.com/what-is-a-thermophotovoltaic-system/) cells. They recently commenced a commercial scale pilot project in Fresno, Calif. [Andrew Ponec](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-ponec-86b67046/), Antora Energy’s cofounder and CEO, said, *“In areas where there are inexpensive renewables, we are competing directly with fossil fuels, and our customers are choosing us not because they want to be green—although in many cases they do—but because it actually is profit-making for them.”* > Bill Gates and Chris Sacca invest in energy storage start-up Antora to help heavy industry go green https://t.co/uuDwW6lMY0 > > — CNBC (@CNBC) [February 16, 2022](https://twitter.com/CNBC/status/1493964250582339584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Antora, backed by [Bill Gates](https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhgates), is developing **large batteries to facilitate the transition** of factories to clean energy and this is how they carry on the process. - They use **cost-effective and intermittent** electricity for heating big carbon blocks. - To **minimize the heat leakage** carbon is wrapped in standard industrial insulation. - This thermal energy is harnessed to provide industrial customers with **processed heat and power** while producing zero emissions. https://twitter.com/InnovateNREL/status/1725567808883536361?s=20 Combining all these components results in the emergence of a simple and elegant solution, which is why it is among the most influential inventions of 2023. The company has announced a [manufacturing facility](https://antoraenergy.com/manufacturing-facility) with the first boxes rolling off the production line in 2024. Antora is also working on a technology that **turns heat back into electricity for industrial processes** using photovoltaic panels, which run on the intense light emitted by the glowing blocks. ### **About Thermal Battery by Antora** ![Thermal batteries by Antora Energy](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Antora-home-page-1024x683.webp) *Pic Credits: Antora Energy* The process of heating an inexpensive, readily available substance was incredibly straightforward, and more cost-effective than any alternative method for storing energy. After thoroughly investigating numerous storage materials and heat recovery approaches, the founders were astonished by the simplicity of what they discovered. The initial discovery revealed that **carbon is an exceptional substance**. Here are the features of carbon explaining the reasons why considering it was the best option. #### **1. Cost of Raw Materials** Carbon blocks are low-cost thermal storage materials. They are **made from solid carbon waste** produced by other industries and are very affordable. #### **2. Eco-friendly and safe** Solid carbon is a reliable choice due to its **freedom from** supply chain limitations, environmental justice concerns, and toxicity issues. #### **3. Large Scale Supply** The metal industry produces **around 30 million tons of carbon blocks** per year. Even if only a small portion of this supply chain is utilized, it can still yield the capacity to build terawatt-hours of energy storage annually. #### **4. Outstanding Thermal and Mechanical Properties** Carbon stands out due to its exceptional physical properties, such as: - Superior thermal conductivity - High emissivity - Remarkable thermal shock resistance - Excellent electrical conductivity - Increased mechanical strength at high temperatures These properties offer **numerous operational advantages** of these thermal batteries by Antora Energy, including the ability to efficiently absorb large quantities of electricity and an unlimited cycle life. Notably, carbon’s high-temperature heat capacity exceeds that of most conventional thermal storage materials **by 30%-70%**, resulting in significantly higher energy storage capacity per unit of mass. **Also See**: [B2U Storage Solutions is Repurposing EV Batteries in Solar Farms](https://energytheory.com/b2u-storage-solutions-is-repurposing-ev-batteries-in-solar-farms/) #### **5. Unmatched Temperature Resilience** Carbon is a very stable material, staying solid at temperatures **up to over 3000° C**, which is twice the melting point of steel and about half the temperature of the sun’s surface. This distinctive characteristic unlocks several key advantages, as mentioned below. - **Energy Density –** High maximum operating temperature increases energy density, reducing system size and cost. - **Simplicity –** Using solid carbon blocks for heat storage is a simple and cost-effective alternative to using molten salts. It eliminates the need for complex containment systems and offers simplicity, affordability, and reliability. - **Thermal Radiation –** Carbon’s extreme temperature stability has an advantage for heat transfer. At temperatures above 1500° C, heat transfer works differently compared to room temperature. - **Ultra-high-temperature Application –** Industries like cement, steel, and chemicals need very high temperatures for their processes. These carbon storage systems can supply heat at any temperature these industries need. - **GHG Emissions** – It can help lower emissions from some of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the world. ### **About Antora** The startup **aims to revolutionize** the hard-to-decarbonize industrial sector while keeping costs in check. In the U.S., one-third of the energy consumed is dedicated to heating in factories, ranging from natural gas powering boilers in breweries to coal used in steelmaking furnaces. #### **How It Works?** ![Thermal batteries by Antora Energy](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Antora_thermal_energy_explanation-1024x683.webp) *Pic Credits: Antora Energy* Thermal batteries are specifically engineered to efficiently store energy, and it is done in the following method. 1. By utilizing **electricity from solar or wind** sources, large carbon blocks are heated. 2. Power is harnessed and channeled through coils, like those found in a toaster, to generate extreme heat of over 3,000° Fahrenheit. 3. This intense heat is then absorbed by solid, **well-insulated carbon blocks**, resulting in the storage of a remarkable amount of energy. 4. These heat-storing blocks, each about **a meter in length**, reach extremely high temperatures inside insulated containers and are able to release heat as needed for industrial equipment. 5. With the potential for a single site to **house between 10 and 100** of these units the size of shipping containers, the capabilities for large-scale energy storage are immense. 6. The modules are factory-assembled and road-shipped to site, where they are then commissioned and powered on. 7. Their demonstration unit is at the site of an electric company in Fresno, California. ### **About the Founders** Andrew Ponec co-founded [Antora Energy](https://www.linkedin.com/company/antora-energy/), and this innovative company has attracted the support of prestigious investors such as Lowercarbon Capital and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, who recognize the immense potential and value of company’s mission. Ponec’s dedication to his field is evident through his educational background, having earned a B.S. in energy systems engineering from the prestigious Stanford University. During his time there, he conducted extensive research on advanced photovoltaics and power electronics. **In 2014**, Mr. Ponec started a company called Dragonfly Systems, which worked on new power electronics for large solar power plants and was bought by SunPower. Antora Energy’s Co-Founder and COO, [Dr. Justin Briggs](https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-briggs-067ba316), also took an active part in the development of innovative thermal energy storage products, ensuring the delivery of consistent, carbon-free heat and power 24/7. Dr. Briggs obtained a B.S. in physics from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University. During his doctoral studies, he focused on renewable energy technology and explored high-temperature materials for energy generation and storage. [David Bierman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bierman-2261a4129), the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Antora Energy, has an impressive background and holds a degree from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. **Source**: [Antora](https://antoraenergy.com/) Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/31.6-300x200.webp "31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE")](https://energytheory.com/31-6-efficient-perovskite-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-by-fraunhofer-ise/ "31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE") #### [31.6% Efficient Perovskite Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by Fraunhofer ISE](https://energytheory.com/31-6-efficient-perovskite-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-by-fraunhofer-ise/) September 27, 2024 [![24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24.2-Efficient-POLO-Back-Junction-Solar-Cell-Built-with-PECVD-by-ISFH-and-Centrotherm-Scientists-300x200.webp "24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists")](https://energytheory.com/24-2-efficient-polo-back-junction-solar-cell-built-with-pecvd-by-isfh-and-centrotherm-scientists/ "24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists") #### [24.2% Efficient POLO Back Junction Solar Cell Built with PECVD by ISFH and Centrotherm Scientists](https://energytheory.com/24-2-efficient-polo-back-junction-solar-cell-built-with-pecvd-by-isfh-and-centrotherm-scientists/) September 25, 2024 [![New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/New-Walkable-PV-Panels-by-Hungary-based-Platio-Solar-300x200.webp "New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar")](https://energytheory.com/new-walkable-pv-panels-by-hungary-based-platio-solar/ "New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar") #### [New Walkable PV Panels by Hungary-based Platio Solar](https://energytheory.com/new-walkable-pv-panels-by-hungary-based-platio-solar/) September 24, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/antora-brings-cost-effective-and-efficient-thermal-energy-storage/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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