Malta Inc., a Massachusetts-based developer of heat energy storage technology, and NB Power have signed a term sheet and are working towards an Energy Storage Benefits Agreement to advance the first long-duration energy storage facility in the province.
While still in the planning and development stage, the facility is targeted to be in service in 2024. The 1,000 megawatt-hour facility would be one of the largest energy storage systems of its kind in the world, and would lead to the creation of an estimated 225 new jobs during construction and up to 15 during operation.
NB Power said in a news release that Malta’s energy storage facility would help achieve emissions reductions, improve grid stabilization, increase the grid’s capacity for the integration of renewables and bring good jobs to the province.
“This is a very exciting initiative for NB Power as we make greater strides towards decarbonization and adding more flexibility to our generation assets,” said Keith Cronkhite, president and CEO of NB Power.
The Malta system is an innovative long-duration energy storage system that can store power when it is generated and discharge the power when it is needed.
Malta’s pumped heat storage technology can provide up to 200 hours of storage, although the company has previously said it is targeting opportunities for applications that require 10 to 12 hours. The systems convert electricity into heat, which is then stored in molten salt.
At the same time, it produces cold energy, which is stored in vats of a special cooling liquid that is described as being similar to antifreeze.
The hot and cold are then converted back into electrical energy as needed, using a heat engine driven by the temperature difference. The company says its systems can be built using abundant materials, combining different processes from established and proven industries.
An additional benefit of the plant is that it will produce a large quantity of high-quality heat as a by-product, which can be used in a number of commercial, industrial and district energy operations, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive economic growth.
The companies will be consulting and engaging with several partners and stakeholder groups throughout the province. Construction and long-term operation of the Malta system would rely on tradespeople and contractors sourced directly from New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.