Fourth Power’s sci-fi thermal batteries could be cheaper than pricey natural gas power plants

Fourth Power, a startup company, has raised $20 million to build a demonstration version of its thermal battery technology. These thermal batteries have the potential to store electricity at a cost of $25 per kWh, which could make them a more affordable alternative to natural gas power plants. The company's technology uses electricity to heat a thermal storage material, which can then be used to generate electricity when needed. This approach aims to provide a cost-effective way to store energy and address the intermittency of renewable power sources, such as solar and wind. The $20 million funding round will allow Fourth Power to scale up its technology and build a demonstration project, which could help validate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of its thermal battery solution. If successful, this technology could have significant implications for the energy sector, potentially providing a more affordable and sustainable way to store and distribute electricity.