Antora Energy, a California-based startup, has developed a high-efficiency thermal energy grid storage system using specialized carbon blocks to store excess wind energy. Collaborating with biofuel firm POET, they aim to address wind power curtailment issues by providing a reliable, on-demand source of zero-carbon heat and power. Antora's thermal batteries offer a decarbonization solution that displaces fossil fuel use, with the system at Big Stone expected to be fully operational by October. By converting intermittent renewable electricity into a reliable source of energy, Antora Energy is contributing to the economic value and growth potential of wind power, despite challenges in the current political climate.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/22/wind-power-energy-storage-carbon-blocks-ethanol/