World-first thermal battery put into production by Lonsdale manufacturer CCT Energy Storage

South Australian research and manufacturing capability has produced the world’s first commercial thermal battery — a device aimed for regional communities.

CCT Energy Storage chief executive Serge Bondarenko at the Lonsdale plant. Picture supplied by Hughes PR

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A world-first type of thermal battery has been unveiled by South Australian manufacturer CCT Energy Storage.

The Lonsdale company expects to create up to 200 jobs — up from seven — as it now moves into commercial production of the batteries.

“We believe energy should be accessible to all corners of the globe — and that means it’s vital to provide an energy source that’s cost effective, environmentally safe and sustainable,” CCT chief executive Serge Bondarenko said.

The first battery will be used in telecommunications infrastructure and Mr Bondarenko expected to fill 10 commercial orders this year.

CCT aims to increase production to more than 200 units by the end of next year.

“This moment marks the coming together of science, engineering, research, knowledge — and, quite simply, a lot of hard work,” he said.

“This device addresses critical issues we face in the energy market.”

The commercial-scale battery uses latent heat to capture and store electricity and then release it as required.

Any source of electricity can be used to charge the battery in a process where silicon is heated to melting point of 1420C.

A solid state generation method then releases the power.

CCT says its battery can store energy at 12 times the density of lead-acid batteries and about five times the density of lithium-ion.

Mining and Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan backed the technology as a “game changer for energy”.

“It fits perfectly with our energy policies as well,” he said.

“Storage is absolutely critical for South Australia.”