Rondo signs MoU with Aramco for up to 1 GWh of heat battery storage

Rondo Energy, a US maker of electric thermal energy storage systems, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian Oil Company (TADAWUL:2222), better known as Aramco, for the potential installation of up to 1 GWh of its heat battery technology.

The companies have started engineering studies for a first industrial-scale deployment of Rondo Heat Batteries to help reduce emissions from Aramco’s facilities, starting locally and then considering global expansion of the partnership, according to statements released on Friday.

In addition, the two partners intend to team up for a research and development (R&D) investigation on possible other applications of Rondo’s technology, such as in hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and direct air capture (DAC) projects.

The technology can also be applied in large-scale solar desalination plants.

The Rondo Heat Battery captures intermittent wind and solar electricity, stores it at over 1,000 degrees C in brick materials and then turns it into industrial heat and power to be later delivered on demand. Aramco is acquainted with the technology as the company is among the US firm’s backers.

The MoU with Rondo is one of three pacts signed by Aramco during a visit of the US secretary of energy to the Kingdom. Aramco also agreed to partner with US duct and air sealing technologies firm Aeroseal and Spiritus, which specialises in direct-air-capture (DAC) of carbon removal.

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