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Australian Researchers Unveil Environmentally Friendly Plan to Power Coal
Plants

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Researchers in Australia saythey have developedatechniqueto
   make coal-fired power plants run without coal. Theysaynew thermal
   energy storage blocks can heat water, which, in turn, produces steam to
   power turbines using existing power station infrastructure.

   Researchers at the University of Newcastle in New South Walessaytheir
   thermal blocks would allowcoal-firedpower stations to run
   coal-free,deliveringclean,renewable electricity.

   The bricks are made of graphite and metals, including zinc andaluminum,
   plus other undisclosedmaterials.

   The Australian teamsaysthey store energy from solar and wind farms in
   the form of heat, which can make steam to run electricity-generating
   turbines.

   The aim is to fit the technology to existingpower stations
   where,instead of burning coal, the blocks would
   generatepowerwithoutpollution.

   Professor of engineering at Australia's University of NewcastleErich
   Kisisays the technology would allowcoal-fired stations to phase out the
   use of thefossil fuel.

   "As coal burning is reduced, storage of renewable as thermal energy is
   ramped up. The final thermal energy storage volume is comparable in
   size to the existing boiler houses, and that these massive power
   stations were themselves built with six or seven decade-old technology,
   I do not think we should baulk at the challenge of renewing their
   vitality with 21st century technology," Kisi said.

   Engineers believe the Australian-made blocks could be used in
   combination with other energy storage options, such aslithium batteries
   and hydroelectricity,to provide reliablepower.

   The university teamsaysits graphite and metal invention has been proven
   in the laboratory.

   In 2019, it set upthecompany MGA Thermal,which aimsto sell the
   technology.

   In partnership with a Swiss company, a full-scale trialof the bricksat
   a modified power plant is expected to start next year.

   Like any new technology, the blocks' inventors concede theymustbe
   financially viable beforethey couldbe expectedfor wide usein commercial
   projects.

   Australia is one of the world's worst per capita emitters of
   greenhousegases.

   That's inlarge partbecauseof its reliance on cheap supplies of domestic
   coal to generate its electricity.

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