Heat-absorbing bricks, reminiscent of those used in ancient kilns technology, could play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations' net zero emissions goal by 2050, offering a cost-effective alternative to current methods
New research led by Stanford University and published in PNAS Nexus reveals that heat-absorbing bricks, reminiscent of those used in ancient kilns, could provide a swift and affordable solution for industrial heat storage. By assembling these bricks in insulated containers, industries can store heat generated from solar or wind power and utilise it for high-temperature processes.
Unlike batteries, which store electricity, these firebrick systems store heat and cost only a fraction—one-tenth—of battery storage. Lead researcher Mark Z. Jacobson from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability explains that this approach offers significant savings and efficiency.
Industries requiring high-temperature heat, such as cement production (1,300°C) and glassmaking (1,000°C), currently account for 17 percent of global CO₂ emissions. By using renewable sources to generate this heat, emissions could be drastically reduced.
Jacobson and co-author Daniel Sambor used computer models to explore future scenarios. They found that replacing 90 percent of industrial process heat with firebricks could cut capital costs by $1.27 trillion, reduce grid energy demand, and lessen reliance on battery storage. This technology not only supports the transition to clean energy but also reduces air pollution, offering both economic and environmental benefits.