This ancient technology could be the answer to one of renewable energy’s biggest problems

Researchers from MIT propose using firebricks, a technology dating back thousands of years, to facilitate the shift from fossil fuels to carbon-free energy sources. The idea is to store excess electricity, generated during periods of low demand, by heating firebricks using electric resistance heaters. The heat retained in the firebricks can be used later for industrial processes or converted back to electricity when needed. This technology, called FIRES (FIrebrick Resistance-heated Energy Storage), could help stabilize electricity prices and make renewable energy sources more profitable. Firebricks are cost-effective and durable, offering a low-tech solution for thermal energy storage. The researchers aim to set up full-scale prototype units to demonstrate the viability of the concept.