en.Wedoany.com Reported - The world's largest biofuel producer POET, in collaboration with Antora Energy, has commissioned a 5 GWh multi-day thermal energy storage system at its bioprocessing facility in Big Stone City, South Dakota, to power biofuel production. The two companies stated in May that the project was completed in under 12 months and will be fully operational later this year, adding that the installation is expected to become one of the largest energy storage systems globally.
Antora Energy supplied the batteries from its recently expanded superfactory in San Jose, California. Neither party disclosed the investment scale, but noted that the project created and supported over 300 manufacturing and construction jobs in California and rural South Dakota, while also providing employment at Antora's San Jose facility, where all thermal batteries are produced.
Under a long-term thermal offtake agreement, the Antora system supplies POET with round-the-clock energy. The facility is expected to boost bioethanol production, primarily benefiting farmers in South Dakota. POET founder and CEO Jeff Broin stated that the company is committed to providing the world with affordable, American-made biofuels and bioproducts, and by investing in next-generation technologies, it aims to lead a bio-future powered by U.S. energy, strengthening national security and rural economies.
Antora Energy co-founder and CEO Andrew Ponec said that through this project, Antora is rapidly delivering affordable energy to POET. This deployment is significant for the workers who designed, built, and installed these batteries, as well as for the broader U.S. manufacturing sector. It exemplifies American innovation driving industrial competitiveness, with domestic supply chains spanning over a dozen states and creating jobs from factory floors to construction sites—all at the speed required to meet surging domestic energy demand.
U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota believes that domestic energy creates high-paying jobs, supports agricultural producers, and provides affordable options for consumers. He looks forward to the benefits this facility will bring to South Dakota producers and families.
Australian investment firm Grok Ventures, as the sole external investor, provided structured project financing for the initiative. Ridhaa Ahmed, Head of Infrastructure and Private Equity at Grok Ventures, stated that Antora has built the technology and team capable of delivering affordable and reliable energy to U.S. industry at scale. He expressed confidence in the technology, team, and commercial foundation, enabling the design of a financing solution tailored to the project's transformative nature. The business logic is strong, and the opportunity is significant, and he looks forward to continued collaboration as Antora expands this technology across the U.S. and globally.
The South Dakota Economic Development Commission is a project partner. Antora's technology has received research and development funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Antora noted that it worked closely with Minnesota utility Otter Tail Power to develop an innovative electricity tariff that enables the system to provide round-the-clock thermal energy without increasing costs for other electricity consumers. The tariff was approved last year by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.
Jordan Kearns, Executive Vice President of Project Development at Antora Energy, stated that the facility built in South Dakota demonstrates Antora's ability to deliver the reliable and affordable energy needed for U.S. competitiveness, and the company is ready to bring its solutions to industrial facilities and data centers across the country.
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