Meet the Innovators: MGA Thermal
Hunter based MGA Thermal, awarded the 2024 Impact Award at the Australian Climate Tech Awards, are revolutionising industrial heat and energy storage with scalable, low-carbon solutions.
University of Newcastle spinout MGA Thermal is leading the way in transforming renewable energy into reliable industrial heat and power. At the heart of their technology is their patented Miscibility Gap Alloy (MGA), a purpose-designed material that stores thermal energy and releases it as heat or electricity.
The company’s innovation lies in its MGA Blocks, which store energy during a solid-to-liquid phase change. The blocks remain outwardly solid as they absorb and release energy, enabling safe and sustainable thermal energy storage. These blocks are used in MGA’s Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS), which provides continuous high-temperature heat or electricity at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 550°C.
MGA Thermal’s solutions support not only industrial heat applications but also electricity generation. The stored renewable energy can be converted back into electricity using turbines, creating a versatile energy system that operates even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
MGA Thermal is targeting industrial heat as its primary application. Their TESS can deliver process heat more economically than traditional gas systems, making it a game-changer for industries looking to reduce emissions. With the ability to scale to gigawatt thermal capacity, MGA’s solution is adaptable for heavy industries and power generation.
This flexibility extends to providing steam and co-generation, which combines heat and electricity output, ensuring optimal use of renewable energy. For power stations, the system can “plug into” existing infrastructure, enabling a seamless transition to low-carbon energy storage.
MGA Thermal’s innovative approach has attracted the attention of major players in the energy sector. Supported by Shell and in partnership with the Varley Group, MGA is developing a 5 MWh demonstration-scale thermal energy storage (TES) system. This project is backed by $1.26 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and aims to simulate a range of applications, including dispatchable power, process heat, and green hydrogen production.
The company has recently secured additional investment from Electrifi Ventures, alongside ARENA’s funding, to accelerate the completion of their Demonstration Unit. MGA Thermal’s dedication to sustainable energy innovation was also recognised with the 2024 Australian Climate Tech Impact Award, which celebrates contributions to climate change mitigation and resilience.
The company has also been selected by Chevron to conduct a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for a 5 MWh trial unit that will provide clean steam at one of Chevron’s sites. “Collaborating with Chevron represents a big milestone for MGA Thermal and advances our mission to decarbonise industrial heat on a global scale,” said Mark Croudace, CEO of MGA Thermal.
MGA Thermal is creating reliable, low-cost, and scalable energy storage systems that empower industries to transition to renewable energy. Whether retrofitting existing infrastructure or supporting greenfield developments, their technology offers a seamless, practical, and sustainable solution for industrial heat and energy needs.
