MGA Thermal launches the world’s first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) installation.
After more than a decade of intensive research and development, Australian startup MGA Thermal has launched the world’s first commercial Electro-Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) installation capable of generating industrial steam from renewable energy sources. This groundbreaking achievement could revolutionize the decarbonization of heavy industry by offering a stable, round-the-clock source of zero-emission thermal energy.
Compact Scale, Massive Potential
MGA Thermal’s ETES system is based on unique MGA (Miscibility Gap Alloy) blocks that store latent heat through a phase-change process. Unlike traditional systems that rely on specific heat, MGA’s solution offers higher energy density, reduced space requirements, and greater economic efficiency.
The innovation comes in the form of modular blocks housed in insulated tanks. Their design allows for easy scalability—from just a few kilowatt-hours to hundreds of megawatt-hours—making them suitable for residential and commercial heating systems, grid stabilization, industrial processes, and even use in electric vehicles.
The demonstration plant, located in Tomago, New South Wales, has compact dimensions (12 m long, 3 m wide, 4 m high), stores 5 MWh of energy, and can deliver 500 kW of thermal power continuously for 24 hours—producing superheated steam at an industrial standard. That’s enough energy to power around 270 homes during the same period.
“Our operational demonstration plant is not a concept—it’s a commercially ready solution that changes the game,” emphasized MGA Thermal CEO Mark Croudace. “This technology fills a major gap in the industrial decarbonization chain, especially in sectors that require continuous steam supply.”
Steam as the Key to Decarbonization
In Australia alone, industrial steam accounts for 44% of energy consumption in heavy industry—half of which goes to heat generation. Globally, industrial heat demand makes up 25% of total energy use and emissions. Innovations like ETES are therefore critical for achieving climate goals.
“We provide a stable, high-temperature source of steam from renewable energy—this isn’t a vision of the future, it’s reality,” added Professor Erich Kisi, MGA Thermal’s co-founder and Chief Scientist. “Our systems respond in real-time, support grid stability, and can participate in energy markets.”
Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), MGA Thermal has raised nearly AUD 43 million in investment capital to date. Backers include Electrifi Ventures, Climate Salad, and Shell, which awarded a grant through its GameChanger program.
The company now plans to fully commercialize its solution and partner with industries around the world. Its goal: to cut 30 million tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030.
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