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Rondo Starts Commercial Operation of 100 MWh Heat Battery at California Oil Site

The system uses off-grid solar to supply steam for enhanced oil recovery, prompting scrutiny over decarbonizing existing oil operations.

Overview

  • Rondo says the Holmes Western Oil installation has run for about 10 weeks and met efficiency and reliability targets.
  • The system delivers continuous steam alongside existing gas boilers, with installation completed without production interruptions.
  • The brick-based unit stores heat above 1,000°C and reports round-trip efficiency above 97%, with charging from an onsite solar array.
  • Rondo calls the 100 MWh system the largest industrial heat battery deployed to date, overtaking recent multi-megawatt projects in Europe.
  • The company is building three full-scale units in Europe and cites 2.4 GWh annual manufacturing capacity from its Thailand factory.