Head of manufacturing Michael D’Amore in front of the new steam generator.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Granite rocks are helping put Shepparton on the map for renewable energy innovation, with a world-first thermal storage system officially opening at a local food factory.
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The first commercial-scale RockStore system was launched at Spiral Foods on Tuesday, October 20, offering a new way for manufacturers to store renewable energy and use it when needed.
It was developed by Danish company Heliac, which became partners with the Shepparton-based organic food manufacturing company after a chance encounter in Denmark.
The technology stores heat in granite rocks, allowing it to generate the steam required for food production even when the sun isn’t shining.
Combined with solar panels, the system can supply up to 87 per cent of Spiral Foods’ current energy demand, contributing to the company’s goal of becoming climate neutral by 2028.
Manufacturing manager Michael D’Amore said the system’s four key components were solar panels, a heating unit, the thermal storage unit and a steam generator.
“The advantage for us is that if we come in at 7am and there’s no sun we still have heat,” he said.
“You don’t need gas, diesel or oil to run it ... we don’t need to rely on the grid.”
The technology could help manufacturers reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining the consistent heat supply needed for food manufacturing.
The installation also marks a new chapter for the Shepparton site, which was previously used for dairy processing.
Consul General of Denmark Anna-Louise Højberg Henrichsen with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Akers.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Akers said the project put the repurposed site to good use.
“This certainly marked a very significant milestone, not only for ... the team at Spiral, and Heliac, but for Greater Shepparton and the future of manufacturing,” he said.
“We’ve been a food manufacturing region for a long time. This is the next step.
“It’s forward thinking. It’s new. It’s innovative, and it’s going to take us right through this century.”
Consul General of Denmark Anna-Louise Højbjerg Henrichsen said the project demonstrated the potential of international collaboration to accelerate cleaner energy solutions.
“The distance between Nivå in Denmark and Shepparton here in Australia is great. Yet when we share our common goal of accelerating the green solution that distance suddenly feels much smaller,” she said.
“Today, we’re not just opening up Heliac, we’re launching solutions that bridge two countries’ fight against climate change.”
Spiral Foods founder and director James Wilson speaking at the opening event.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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