Thermal Battery Pilot Project at University of Minnesota, Morris

under construction

Cache Energy installed a thermal battery at the University of Minnesota, Morris campus to store energy from the campus' two wind turbines and release it to heat a carpentry workshop. The battery transforms electricity into intense heat, reaching up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, suitable for running a steam heating system. The pilot project started operation on March 24, 2026, and aims to reduce the environmental impact of methane-powered steam-heat loops on campus. The system uses limestone-derived pellets and is designed for long-term operation with a 30-plus-year lifespan. The project could be expanded to serve multiple campus buildings and replace gas boilers in the future.