Sands for solar energy storage in the United Arab Emirates

ArabiaWeather.com- The United Arab Emirates has come up with an innovative way to store solar energy using sand. Abundant desert sands in the UAE can be used as a feedstock capable of storing thermal energy of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius in concentrated solar power plants, according to the Masdar Institute. Postgraduate independent research science and technology”.

The research project, carried out by the Institute's researchers under the name "Sandstock", aims to develop a sustainable and low-cost energy system, by employing sand grains as an intermediate material that collects, transfers and stores heat.

Dr. Bahgat Al-Youssef, Acting Director of the Institute, stated that the success of the project reflects the importance of advanced research conducted by the Institute and its compatibility with the local environment.

This technology, using abundant and inexpensive sand, is an alternative to the traditional storage materials used in thermal energy storage systems in modern solar energy facilities, such as industrial oils and molten salts, which is one of the factors that limit the use of solar energy in terms of cost, and it would also enhance the efficiency power plants, as well as the ability of sand to withstand high temperatures.