MGA Thermal has successfully developed a 5 MWh demonstration-scale thermal energy storage (TES) system, marking a step forward in proving the viability of its Miscibility Gap Alloy (MGA) technology. Located in Tomago, NSW, the project has been backed by Shell and delivered in partnership with the Varley Group. The system has been tested under various conditions, simulating real-world applications such as dispatchable power generation, industrial process heat, and green hydrogen production. The data gathered will help shape business cases for future implementations of the technology.
Decades of Research, Rapid Growth
MGA Thermal’s TES system stems from nearly ten years of research at the University of Newcastle. Since the company’s founding in 2019, it has quickly become a key player in thermal energy storage, with a focus on providing cost-effective solutions for medium-duration energy storage. The company received $3.75 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support its work.
The modular design of MGA Thermal storage blocks, made from low-cost materials, enables high energy density with minimal degradation over time. This makes the technology particularly attractive for industrial heat applications, offering a way to integrate renewable energy into manufacturing processes while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
How the System Works
The Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) is designed to firm up variable renewable generation, turning it into a steady and reliable supply of process heat, steam, or cogeneration. The system requires minimal additional capital investment, as it can integrate with existing industrial equipment. This makes it a viable option for power station retrofits, allowing for a seamless transition to low-carbon energy storage.
Industrial heat is a core application, with MGA’s solution providing up to 48 hours of storage at temperatures between 150°C and 550°C. The system’s specifications include:
- 5 MWh storage capacity
- 500 kW thermal power output
- 200°C steam at 7 bar for 24 hours
- Approx. 3,700 MGA blocks
- 12m (L) x 3m (W) x 4m (H)
“MGA Thermal offers a scalable means of firming variable renewable generation into a highly reliable and versatile supply of process heat,” the company states. “The system is more economical than the gas benchmark and can scale to gigawatt thermal capacity.”
Commercial Interest and Next Steps
As the demonstration unit nears the end of commissioning, MGA Thermal has seen an increase in client engagement. The company is in advanced discussions to secure a joint development agreement with a domestic project partner, aiming to accelerate the deployment of thermal storage assets in Australia. MGA’s approach involves working with established engineering firms to deliver turnkey solutions while maintaining its core focus as a specialist provider of thermal storage technology.
The technology’s advantages include:
- Low-cost, high-temperature clean heat with high uptime and low maintenance.
- Integration with existing infrastructure, including fossil fuel boilers, to enhance resilience.
- Rapid ramp-up of steam generation by making better use of waste heat sources.
- Direct steam supply to onsite distribution lines with minimal integration work.
With industrial facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism looking for ways to reduce emissions, thermal storage is emerging as a key solution.
