Let's talk about heat batteries! They offer a unique solution to Alberta's grid stability issues.
Heat batteries have been around for decades and are extremely simple. Heat up an insulated rock or brick for hours or days, then use the heat when you need it. There are some really interesting companies doing this like Rondo where they've got the cost down so cheap it starts to compete with gas for most industrial heat uses. For years companies had no good options for industrial heating because using heat pumps would mean completely tearing down their factories and installing all new lines and workflow. With a heat battery, it's a drop in substitute.
Where it gets interesting is when you pair it with variable renewable generation. Have low or negative electricity prices? Heat up them rocks! Price goes up? Stop heating them and use the heat you've stored!
Where this gets really interesting for Alberta is that it is uniquely great for variable renewable generation and also an extremely high industrial heat load. It's a perfect marriage in my mind
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