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Hynovation

S.A.L.T. is like a rechargeable battery for renewable energy

Estonia
Market: Power Engineering, Other
Stage of the project: Idea or something is already done

Date of last change: 27.02.2025
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Idea

S.A.L.T. is like a rechargeable battery for renewable energy, but instead of using lithium, it stores excess solar and wind energy as heat in molten salt, making it more durable, scalable, and cost-effective.

Current Status

S.A.L.T. is in the early development phase, with a conceptual prototype completed and initial garage-scale testing conducted to validate feasibility. While we currently have no customers or official partners, we have received interest from academic institutions and engaged in discussions with potential stakeholders.

Additionally, we have applied to several incubators and funding programs, receiving feedback that the project is highly disruptive and has strong innovation potential. Our next step is to secure pilot projects and further refine the technology for commercialization.

Market

1. Market Overview
S.A.L.T. operates in the renewable energy storage market, specifically focusing on thermal energy storage (TES). This market is growing rapidly due to increasing renewable energy adoption, the need for grid stability, and energy storage mandates fr om governments.

Market Size & Growth: The global energy storage market is expected to grow to $150 billion+ by 2030, with thermal storage solutions gaining traction as a cost-effective alternative to batteries.
Regulatory Drivers: EU policies like the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package promote renewable integration and require advanced storage solutions like S.A.L.T.
2. Target Customers
✅ Renewable Energy Providers

Companies operating solar and wind farms that need storage solutions to balance power supply and demand.
Benefit: Reduces curtailment of excess energy and increases efficiency.
✅ Industrial and Commercial Energy Users

Factories, data centers, and industries with high energy demand can use S.A.L.T. for off-peak energy storage and cost savings.
Benefit: Provides long-term energy storage at a lower cost than batteries.
✅ Municipalities and Public Infrastructure

Cities and local governments investing in smart grids and renewable energy for public buildings, hospitals, and water treatment plants.
Benefit: Increases energy resilience and reduces dependence on fossil fuel backup systems.
✅ Utility Companies and Grid Operators

Entities managing national and regional power grids looking for stable, long-duration energy storage to support renewable integration.
Benefit: Reduces grid congestion and stabilizes power supply.
Conclusion
S.A.L.T. targets a fast-growing market wh ere renewable energy adoption and energy security concerns drive demand. Our customers are energy providers, industries, municipalities, and grid operators who need a scalable, cost-effective storage solution to support the clean energy transition.

Problem or Opportunity

S.A.L.T. addresses the renewable energy intermittency challenge, where solar and wind power generate excess energy during peak production but fail to provide a continuous supply. Without effective storage, this leads to energy waste and reliance on fossil fuels for backup, limiting the full potential of renewables.
S.A.L.T. is an advanced molten salt energy storage system that captures and stores surplus energy from renewable sources. The stored energy is released when needed, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Compared to conventional batteries, S.A.L.T. offers higher scalability, lower costs, and longer storage durations, making it a sustainable solution for grid stability and decarbonization.

Solution (product or service)

S.A.L.T. is currently in the early development phase, with ongoing efforts to validate the technology and secure initial support. Despite setbacks with accelerators in Estonia and Finland, the project remains highly disruptive and innovative, warranting further exploration.

The next steps include:

Seeking academic partnerships (e.g., Tallinn University) for research validation.
Refining the prototype and conducting further tests.
Approaching industrial partners and municipalities for pilot projects.
Exploring EU funding and grants for deep-tech and renewable energy innovation.
The decision is to continue developing the project, focusing on securing validation, funding, and market entry opportunities.

Competitors

1. Direct Competitors (Molten Salt and Thermal Storage Solutions)
✅ Azelio – Develops thermal energy storage using molten aluminum for renewable integration.
✅ Energy Vault – Uses gravity-based energy storage, an alternative to thermal and battery solutions.
✅ Abengoa Solar & Torresol Energy – Operates concentrated solar power plants with molten salt storage.

2. Existing Alternatives (Battery-Based Storage Solutions)
✅ Tesla Powerwall & Megapack – Lithium-ion battery solutions for grid storage.
✅ Fluence Energy – Provides large-scale battery storage for renewable energy stabilization.
✅ LG Chem & SonnenBatterie – Household and industrial energy storage solutions based on lithium-ion technology.

3. Why S.A.L.T. is Different

Advantages or differentiators

. Key Advantages
✅ Longer Energy Storage Duration

Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which typically store energy for 4-8 hours, S.A.L.T. can store energy for days or even weeks, making it ideal for long-term renewable integration.
✅ Cost-Effective Solution

Avoids expensive rare-earth materials used in lithium-ion batteries (e.g., lithium, cobalt).
Uses abundant and recyclable materials, reducing overall production and maintenance costs.
✅ Scalability for Industrial & Grid Applications

Designed for large-scale energy storage, making it suitable for industrial, commercial, and grid-level use.
Easily expandable compared to traditional battery solutions.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable

Zero toxic waste, unlike lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time and require hazardous disposal.
Reduces CO₂ emissions by enabling efficient renewable energy storage.
✅ Grid Stability & Renewable Integration

S.A.L.T. is a game-changer in renewable energy storage, offering a longer-lasting, more cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to batteries. Its ability to store large-scale energy for extended periods makes it a superior choice for industries and grid operators looking to enhance energy security and efficiency.

Finance

1. Revenue Streams
S.A.L.T. generates revenue through multiple channels:

✅ Direct Sales

Selling molten salt energy storage units at €15,000 per unit to industrial and municipal clients.
✅ Service and Maintenance Contracts

Annual maintenance and optimization services for installed units, ensuring long-term performance.
✅ Licensing & Technology Partnerships

Potential licensing agreements for manufacturing partners or energy companies interested in integrating S.A.L.T. technology.
✅ Government and EU Grants

Funding from clean energy and sustainability programs supporting innovative energy storage solutions.
2. Cost Structure
The key costs associated with developing, producing, and scaling S.A.L.T. include:

Business model

1. Business Model
S.A.L.T. operates on a B2B model, selling energy storage systems to renewable energy providers, industrial users, and municipalities. Our business model is structured around:

✅ Direct Sales – Selling molten salt energy storage units at €15,000 per unit.
✅ Service & Maintenance Contracts – Recurring revenue from long-term service agreements.
✅ Technology Licensing – Partnering with manufacturers and energy companies for integration.
✅ Government & EU Grants – Securing funding for clean energy projects.

2. Channels
Our go-to-market strategy involves:

Money will be spent on

Funds will be strategically allocated to technology development, market entry, and scaling operations.

1. Research & Development (R&D) – 40%
Finalizing prototype development and system optimization.
Testing materials for thermal stability and corrosion resistance.
Conducting feasibility studies and efficiency validation.
2. Manufacturing & Production – 30%
Procuring materials for molten salt storage units.
Setting up small-scale production facilities.
Logistics and transportation for pilot installations.
3. Market Expansion & Customer Acquisition – 15%
Pilot projects with renewable energy providers & industrial partners.
Marketing, branding, and outreach campaigns.
Business development efforts for EU grants & partnerships.
4. Operations & Legal – 10%
Administrative costs, patents, and regulatory compliance.
Securing certifications & safety approvals for deployment.
5. Miscellaneous & Contingency – 5%
Addressing unforeseen challenges in R&D or market entry.

Offer for investor

1. Investment Opportunity
S.A.L.T. is a disruptive molten salt energy storage system designed to solve the intermittency problem of renewable energy. We offer investors the opportunity to be part of the next generation of long-duration energy storage, a market poised for significant growth as industries and governments transition to carbon-neutral solutions.

2. Funding Requirement & Use of Funds
We are seeking €X million in funding to support the next 3 years of development and commercialization.

Prototype & R&D (40%): Finalizing system design, testing, and material optimization.
Production & Scaling (30%): Manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics setup.
Market Development (15%): Pilots, customer acquisition, and EU funding leverage.
Operations & Legal (10%): Patents, regulatory approvals, and administrative costs.
Contingency (5%): Risk mitigation and unforeseen challenges.
3. Investment Structure
We offer investors:
✅ Equity Participation – Ownership stake in S.A.L.T. with high growth potential.
✅ Convertible Notes – Secure investment with future equity conversion options.
✅ Strategic Partnerships – Preferred pricing and licensing agreements for industrial investors.

4. Why Invest in S.A.L.T.?

Team or Management

Risks

Risks Associated with S.A.L.T. (Molten Salt Energy Storage)
1. Technical Risks
⚠ Material Durability & Corrosion

Molten salts operate at high temperatures, which may lead to corrosion of storage tanks and piping, requiring specialized materials and maintenance.
⚠ Thermal Losses & Efficiency

While efficient, heat dissipation over time could reduce overall storage efficiency if insulation is not optimized.
⚠ Scalability Challenges

Adapting molten salt storage for smaller applications (e.g., residential) may be difficult compared to conventional battery solutions.
2. Financial & Market Risks
⚠ High Initial Costs

The upfront investment in infrastructure is significant, making early adoption dependent on funding and incentives.
⚠ Market Acceptance & Competition

Competing against established lithium-ion batteries and other storage solutions may require extensive education and proof of concept for customers.
⚠ Funding & Investment Uncertainty

Securing grants and investor interest in a disruptive technology without immediate large-scale adoption may be challenging.
3. Regulatory & Compliance Risks
⚠ Safety & Environmental Regulations

Handling high-temperature molten salt may require strict safety measures and compliance with industry regulations.
⚠ Policy and Incentives

The adoption of new energy storage solutions depends on government policies and incentives, which can change over time.
4. Supply Chain & Logistics Risks
⚠ Material Sourcing & Costs

While molten salt is abundant, specialized alloys and insulation materials needed for containment may face supply chain delays or price fluctuations.
⚠ Transportation & Installation

Large-scale molten salt systems may require complex logistics for delivery and setup, adding to project costs.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
✅ R&D on Corrosion Resistance – Using advanced coatings and materials for longevity.
✅ Optimized System Design – Improving insulation and thermal efficiency.
✅ Strategic Partnerships – Collaborating with universities and industries for funding and validation.
✅ Early Pilots & Demonstrations – Proving feasibility to attract investors and customers.

By addressing these risks proactively, S.A.L.T. can establish itself as a viable and scalable solution for long-duration energy storage.

Incubation/Acceleration programs accomplishment

Applied to multiple incubators and accelerators, including programs in Estonia and Finland.
Received valuable feedback and industry validation, reinforcing the project's disruptive potential in the energy storage market.
Next Steps

Exploring academic collaborations (e.g., Tallinn University) and industry partnerships to advance technology development.
Seeking participation in new sustainability-focused acceleration programs to gain further support and funding.
Despite challenges in early-stage adoption, these accomplishments demonstrate market interest and recognition for Hynovation’s molten salt energy storage technology.

Won the competition and other awards

Baltic Sustainability Awards (BSA) Nomination

Hynovation was nominated for the Baltic Sustainability Awards, recognizing its innovative contribution to renewable energy storage.
While not awarded, the nomination highlights the project's impact and potential in the sustainability sector.
Participation in Incubation and Acceleration Programs

Invention/Patent

Current Patent Status

As of now, S.A.L.T. does not have a registered patent, but the project includes patentable innovations related to molten salt energy storage design, heat transfer mechanisms, and system integration.
Patentability Considerations

Thermal Storage Optimization: Novel methods for improving energy retention and efficiency.
Material Innovations: Corrosion-resistant coatings and insulation methods for high-temperature storage.
System Integration: Customizable modular storage solutions for industrial and grid applications.
Next Steps for IP Protection

Conduct a prior art search to assess uniqueness.
File a provisional patent application to secure intellectual property rights.
Explore licensing opportunities with energy and infrastructure partners.
By securing patents, S.A.L.T. will strengthen its market position and technological edge in renewable energy storage.
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Idea
Current Status
Market
Problem or Opportunity
Solution (product or service)
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Advantages or differentiators
Finance
Invested in previous rounds, $
Business model
Money will be spent on
Offer for investor
Team or Management
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Lead investor
Risks
Incubation/Acceleration programs accomplishment
Won the competition and other awards
Invention/Patent
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