As simple as the sandbox: meet the world’s first sand battery at “Māja I 2025” trade fair

Have you ever wondered whether sand could heat keep your home or workplace warm? Well, it is possible. The new, and utterly unique technology, the sand batteries, is a product that will be presented during the Māja I 2025 trade fair, which will take place on 27-30 March at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre. Sand batteries is the worlds only energy storage technology of its kind, and after a CNN feature it became a global sensation and will now also be sold in Latvia.

Inspiration behind the success story
This unusual invention is the product of imagination of two Finns, Markku Ylönen and Tommi Eronen, who got their inspiration from the concept of sustainable energy. As they worked on their first prototype, they converted an old disused Finnish factory into their “sandbox”. And that is how the sand battery was born. Sand battery is a device that uses electricity to heat sand, avoiding combustion, and then convert accumulated heat into hot air, water or steam. Another benefit is that you do not have use any special sand to fill the batteries – any sand is good. The only must is that it needs to be clean and dry.

All about patience and trust
This unique technology received large media coverage and inventors were approached by streams of companies, media and investors. One of such companies was Latvian Inovat, led by board member Kaspars Zauls who got really ignited by the technology and the background story. After more than a month of silent consideration, Polar Night Energy reached out to Kaspars and said “yes” to the cooperation and launching of their revolutionary product on the Latvian market.

Environmentally friendly with great applicability
As Kaspars Zauls was introduced to the technology, he realised what its Latvian iteration would look like: “there is plenty of beach sand to fill the device, you can use renewables, for example, the sun or wind to charge it, and your dependence on fossils will go down, energy prices on the market will level out and there will be less carbon emissions”. These batteries can heat smaller settlements like villages, or can be used for industrial needs. Their efficiency grows with capacity. For example, bigger batteries with 13 tonnes of sand will give you 90% efficiency.

Growing interest among Latvian companies
Latvian companies from various sectors have already expressed their interest in greening and savings that these batteries could bring them. “We are already working with two companies on prefeasibility studies, and Riga BioEenergy is one of them. We are trying to figure out how to build the battery and what kind of efficiency it will have with respect to company operations,” Kaspars says. Companies are also paying close attention to other critical factor – the safety. Although device has rudimentary design, it is highly durable and adjustable. If battery shell gets damaged, the only loss will be the seeping sand.

Simple yet safe
The battery is built on a solid concrete foot to avoid heat losses. The foot holds a cylinder-shaped tank that is filled with sand or similar material. It is a really simply structure that is also safe – an important factor for any business. “Hey, if I run my tractor into it, will the sizzling hot sand start pouring out?” That is what Kaspars was once asked during a product presentation. The answer is clear: “If something like that were to really happen, the sand that would start sipping out of the shell would have already cooled down because the main heat of the battery is focused around its core”.

Come and see the incredible sand batteries and other innovations yourself
To fully appreciate the sand battery technology and have a chat with Kaspars Zauls, come to trade fair Māja I 2025 and find the Inovat booth. This year’s hottest construction and home improvement innovations at the largest Baltic construction industry trade fair on 27-30 March with almost 400 companies from 9 countries. Do not miss our on your chance to pick expert brains and find the right solution for your project. More at www.izstademaja.lv

Māja I 2025 programme: www.bt1.lv/maja1/program.php
List of exhibitors: www.bt1.lv/maja1/catalogue.php

“Māja I” trade fair is organised by BT1 International Expo Company.

Opening hours:
27–29 March: 10:00–18:00
30 March: 10:00–17:00

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Entrance fees:
Adult ticket: €8
Students, seniors, disabled €5
Pupils: €4
Family ticket (2 adults + 1 child over 15): €17
Children under 14: free

Parking: €5 (4 h max), each additional hour: €3

Buy tickets online: www.bt1.lv/maja1/buytickets.php