In this LCP Delta episode of TalkingNewEnergy James Macnaghten, co-founder and CEO of Caldera, is interviewed by Jon Slowe and Charmaine Coutinho and explains why Caldera's electric Storage Boilers will be a key technology in the decarbonisation journey for any industry that uses heat at temperatures up to 200°C.
Right now the challenge is to get off gas, which is cheap. By hybridising electric Storage Boilers within an existing gas boiler/steam network, gas consumption can be reduced significantly. The Storage Boilers would use electricity either direct from on-site renewables, or from low-cost periods on the grid. This is a low-risk stepping stone to full decarbonisation.
For new-build facilities where there is both heat and cooling demand electric Storage Boilers can be integrated with heat pumps to provide a fully electric solution. The heat pumps providing steady demand, the Storage Boilers providing start-up, fluctuating & peaking demand, and higher temperature steam.
A key enabler will be reform of the electricity markets to give access to grid electricity in times of excess at prices that beat gas. Overall this will benefit all consumers as this will help balance the system.