Welcome to the MGA Thermal Quarterly Update, hot off the block press.
Exciting Updates on Our Demonstration Unit
Are you eagerly awaiting a Demonstration Unit update? Oh, we know you are—and trust us, it’s worth the anticipation! But here’s the twist: the exciting news is on the way, and we’re keeping it under wraps just a little longer.
To be the first to hear the announcement and join the buzz, be sure to follow us on social media—especially LinkedIn—where all will be revealed in real time.
This game-changing project wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)Shell GameChanger. For more details and a glimpse into how we’re shaping the future of energy storage, head over to our website. The wait will be worth it—we promise!
This is a pivotal moment for MGA Thermal as we transition to showcasing our technology. As we finalise commissioning of the demonstration unit, there has been a corresponding strong uptick in client interest and engagement...
We are in the final stages of negotiating a joint development agreement with a domestic project partner to accelerate the deployment of thermal storage assets in Australia. MGA Thermal’s business model is to partner with global engineering services companies to deliver the turnkey project. This approach strengthens MGA’s specialised expertise as a thermal storage solutions provider, with the capability and experience of a trusted and reputable delivery partner. We look forward to announcing this partnership and more over the coming months.
Industrial sites covered by the Safeguard mechanism are sending a clear message... thermal storage is a leading technology pathway to transition from fossil fuels. MGA is uniquely positioned to deliver value to Safeguard sites:
MGA’s solution can deliver low-cost, high temperature clean heat on a continuous basis, at scale, with high uptime and low maintenance requirements.
MGA’s solution will drive a step-change improvement in overall process efficiency rapidly ramping up steam generation by further boosting waste heat sources.
MGA’s solution can supply steam directly into the steam distribution line onsite with minimal integration works.
MGA’s solution can complement existing fossil fuel boilers to enhance energy resilience and security during solar and wind droughts.
As we look to the future, we couldn't be more excited about what we've built together and what lies ahead for MGA Thermal and all of us. The best is yet to come!
Who's been touring site?
We were delighted to recently host Western Australian contactsKnode Pty Ltd and Slate Advisory, at our Tomago site to share our progress and vision. During the visit, Knode had the opportunity to tour our facilities, witnessing first-hand the progress of our Demonstration Unit and engaging in discussions about upcoming energy storage projects in Western Australia.
As a valued collaboration partner of MGA Thermal, we are excited to collaborate and make 24/7 renewable energy a reality together. Together, we’re driving innovation and shaping a more sustainable future.
MGA CEO Mark Croudace with Will Furness, Dr. Erich Kisi, Chris Nelson, Graeme Stanway and Dr. Alex Post
Out & about
MGA Thermal has been buzzing with activity this quarter, marking some incredible milestones!
Will Furness joined the Climate Action Week Sydney panel, ‘Eating the Industrial Gas Elephant: One Piece at a Time,’ This no-nonsense conversation tackled critical topics like electrifying process heat without overloading the grid, the game-changing implications of gas and renewable energy price trends, and how smart policy and flexible pricing can unlock real, impactful projects.
Additionally, our Marketing Manager – Brand, Arden Jarrett, joined the Port Stephens Council in celebrating the 2025 Mayoral Academic Scholarship recipients. As a scholarship recipient in 2016, Arden delivered a guest presentation reflecting on key lessons learned and shared insights from working with MGA as a dynamic cleantech startup. This was a fantastic opportunity to inspire emerging talent and highlight how MGA Thermal is leading the charge in renewable energy alongside other prominent businesses.
MGA were also proud to participate in the Cleantech Group’s Forum North America in San Diego alongside nine other NSW companies. The tour shone a spotlight on Australia’s cutting-edge clean technology innovations and provided valuable insights into the North American market.
Our Head of Business Development, Will Furness, represented MGA Thermal, and showcased our pioneering technology, sharing how we are driving the shift to 24/7 renewable energy. Moments like these reaffirm our commitment to trailblazing innovation and meaningful collaboration as we make waves on the global stage.
Our CFO Anna Starrett was a panellist at CPA Australia's Newcastle and Hunter Branch's Future Directions Breakfast - "Manufacturing Our Future in the Hunter". Joined by Trent Bagnall, Stacey Sleeman, Anna Starrett,Laurence York and Facilitator David Dungavell. Newcastle is such a supportive community, ready to engage and get behind innovation and development. It’s certainly fantastic to be based here!
Our CEO, Mark Croudace, spoke and then participated in a dynamic panel at the prestigious Energy Storage Summit Australia, sparking engaging discussions about the future of Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) compared to Lithium Batteries. Sharing the stage with esteemed industry leaders—Keith Lovegrove from AUSTELA (The Australian Solar Thermal Energy Association), Carl Christiansen from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and Mark Swinnerton CEO of Green Gravity—the conversation delved into ground breaking innovations and their transformative potential.
The session shone a spotlight on the immense benefits of LDES and our ETES (Electro Thermal Energy Storage) technology. If you’d like to learn more about this talk, keep reading!
It’s clear that from Sydney to San Diego, MGA Thermal is making its mark and driving meaningful change, one bold step at a time.
“The next wave of technologies that may be joining lithium-ion on the podium are those that can provide industrial heat. Between pulp and paper, petroleum and chemicals, you’re probably looking at 50% of their total energy use in the form of heat,” Croudace said.
Step into the future with the latest episode of the Friendly Futurist podcast, now live, featuring none other than our brilliant Chief Scientist and Co-founder, Dr. Erich Kisi! In this thought-provoking conversation, Erich unpacks the game-changing role of green energy storage and reveals how MGA Thermal's cutting-edge thermal energy solutions are paving the way for decarbonised industrial heat.
But that’s not all—Erich also sheds light on the unique and vibrant manufacturing landscape of the Hunter region, offering a fascinating glimpse into its skilled workforce and the untapped potential it holds. Drawing on his wealth of experience in materials science and the thrilling world of start-ups, Erich brings both expertise and passion to the table.
Don’t miss this inspiring deep dive into how MGA Thermal is turning the dream of 24/7 renewable energy into a tangible reality.
This quarter the R&D team continued to assist with block production and quality control, which concluded with the handover of blocks for installation in the MGA Demonstrator TES.
With initial production complete, the R&D team has shifted its focus back to continuous block improvement to further enhance the properties of MGA blocks. Assessment of such improvements uses quantitative analysis techniques such as x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Samples that meet the required performance criteria will be scaled for the preparation, testing and validation at the full scale block level.
People Update
This quarter, MGA Thermal has hit a major milestone, as well as turning 6 in early April, what better way to celebrate than with a team lunch and a lively game of lawn bowls! The sun was shining, the camaraderie was palpable, and the competitive spirit on the green was nothing short of impressive. It was a wonderful moment to pause, reflect on our accomplishments, and enjoy some well-deserved fun as a team. It has been quite a recovery journey and the team deserved this.
Are you keen to join MGA Thermal and make 24/7 renewables a reality?
In other exciting news, our Marketing team is about to welcome an intern! We're thrilled to bring fresh energy and ideas into the mix as we continue to grow and evolve. Stay tuned for their official introduction soon—great things are on the horizon for our marketing efforts!
Let’s keep the momentum going as we charge forward into the next chapter of MGA’s journey!
Renewables in the News
Our top picks for recent renewables news; with an Australian focus.
Explore McKinsey's insights on how heat electrification technologies can decarbonize industrial processes, addressing over 20% of global energy consumption.
Dive into the challenges and opportunities of modernizing energy grids, such as the role of virtual power plants in stabilizing Australia's electricity future.
A new eight-hour battery project in New South Wales that highlights the rapid decline in storage costs and its role in supporting the transition from coal-fired generation.
Investment in large-scale renewable energy generation continues to trend upwards in Australia with more than 1.4 GW of new solar and wind projects, worth $3.3 billion, reaching financial commitment in the third quarter of 2024.
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