Toshiba International Corporation (TIC) and Australian clean technology developer MGA Thermal have deployed advanced predictive analytics and digital twin software at MGA Thermal’s 5 MWh demonstration plant in Tomago, New South Wales.
The project marks the world-first application of Toshiba’s EtaPRO technology platform to long-duration thermal energy storage.
The integration combines MGA Thermal’s proprietary heat storage system with established performance monitoring tools traditionally used in large-scale power generation.
MGA Thermal’s electro-thermal storage units store renewable electricity as heat within Australian-made alloy blocks. The heat is then dispatched on demand as continuous high-temperature steam to help decarbonise hard-to-abate industrial operations.
By incorporating the EtaPRO suite, the Tomago facility gains access to real-time data historian tools, a thermodynamic digital twin of the plant, and machine learning-driven advanced pattern recognition.
These capabilities allow engineers to model hypothetical operating scenarios, detect system anomalies early, and perform predictive maintenance before physical equipment risks failure.
“This project demonstrates the versatility of EtaPRO and the value of applying proven power generation analytics to a new and vital energy storage segment,” said Matthew Rennert, Head of Technical Services at TIC.
“By combining operational data, digital modelling, and anomaly detection with engineering-led monitoring… we are helping MGA Thermal gain greater visibility into system performance.”
He added that the transfer of platform knowledge empowers MGA Thermal to extract deeper value from its operational data as the technology prepares for commercial scaling.
MGA Thermal Head of Engineering Annie Lacombe noted that integrating industrial-grade condition monitoring validates the storage system against strict standards demanded by major commercial clients.
“Applying EtaPRO technology with a proven track record in conventional power generation to our long-duration thermal storage system supports MGA Thermal as we advance into our next stage of commercial deployment,” Lacombe said.
Currently deployed across 60 countries, the EtaPRO platform supports over 763,000 MW of global capacity.
Its adaptation to thermal energy storage provides a key commercial toolkit for pre-sales simulations and performance verification for prospective industrial customers.