5-GWh Thermal Energy Storage System at POET Bioprocessing Facility

commissioned

POET, the world's largest biofuels producer headquartered in South Dakota, has commissioned a 5-GWh, multi-day thermal energy storage system at its bioprocessing facility in Big Stone City, South Dakota. The system, supplied by Antora Energy's thermal batteries from their San Jose, California gigafactory, supports POET's biofuel production by providing 24/7 energy under a long-term heat offtake agreement. The project was completed in less than 12 months and is expected to be fully operational later this year, ranking among the world's largest energy storage installations. It has created over 300 manufacturing and construction jobs in South Dakota and California. Grok Ventures structured and provided project-level financing as the sole external investor, with support from the South Dakota Board of Economic Development and funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The project also involved collaboration with Otter Tail Power to develop an innovative electric rate approved by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.