Firebricks, which were developed during the early Bronze Age to withstand and store high temperatures, are now being considered as a key player in our energy transition. These bricks are made of materials like alumina, silica, and magnesia, making them ideal for storing heat generated from excess renewable electricity. Although firebricks may seem expensive compared to regular bricks, they are actually much cheaper than batteries and can store heat rather than electricity.
Lead study author Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor at Stanford, highlighted the cost efficiency of firebrick storage systems compared to battery storage systems. In a scenario where there is 100% renewable energy usage, the cost per kilowatt-hour-thermal (kWh-th) for firebrick storage is less than one-tenth the cost of a battery storage system per kilowatt-hour-electricity (kWh-e). This cost advantage positions firebricks as a promising tool in achieving a full transition to renewable energy.
Industrial processes that require high-temperature heat, such as cement, steel, glass, and chemical production, contribute significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions. By using renewable electricity to generate heat and storing it in firebricks, a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to burning fossil fuels is presented. These firebricks act as “batteries” for heat, which can then be used for various industrial applications when needed.
The primary advantage of firebricks over traditional battery storage is their lower cost and greater flexibility. Firebricks can store heat for extended periods, making them suitable for industries requiring continuous heat supply. They help smooth out the variability of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which may fluctuate based on weather conditions. However, there are challenges to address, such as optimizing insulation to minimize heat loss rates and the need for further research to enhance efficiency.
The study conducted by Jacobson and his team is the first to explore a large-scale transition to renewable energy using firebricks as a solution. They found that integrating firebricks enables a faster and more cost-effective shift to renewables, benefiting health, climate, job creation, and energy security. The findings were published in PNAS Nexus, emphasizing the potential of firebricks in revolutionizing energy storage for a sustainable future.