TRIMET uses molten aluminum as a power source

TRIMET, Germany's largest aluminum producer, is experimenting using its vast volumes of molten metal as batteries. The German government is desperately saving electricity and using renewable energy sources like sun and wind, but is unable to store this energy in large quantities without specialized equipment.

TRIMET is committed to reducing the country's costly electricity costs. TRIMET's ability to use molten aluminum pools as a kind of battery will help compensate for volatility in mains power.

By changing the rate at which the metal is obtained, the plant will be able to regulate the energy consumption of 290 megawatts within 25 percent. Trimet can reduce mains power when energy is cheap, such as on sunny days. The company can temporarily reduce energy consumption by slowing down electrolysis.

The same principle, like other demand response projects, is included in a single network. So when the temperature in water heaters or refrigerated warehouses changes by several degrees, you can absorb additional energy or release some when there is a shortage, gaining significant control over the power system.

As a result, TRIMET will be able to store the aluminum equivalent of 3,360 megawatt-hours of energy for two days, with energy conversion at around 90 percent. This will provide food for over 300,000 homes throughout the day, and this is not an insignificant amount especially for one company.