In a surprising twist to the quest for sustainable energy, researchers have discovered that rocks could hold the key to the next generation of solar energy storage, as per a press release. A team of scientists from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology and Ardhi University has uncovered the potential of soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania as excellent materials for storing solar heat. With their high energy densities and remarkable stability, these rocks could revolutionize the way we harness and utilize solar power. Lower-tech Alternative for Energy Storage Traditionally, energy storage has relied on large batteries, which come with hefty costs and resource-intensive manufacturing processes. However, the team explored a lower-tech alternative known as thermal energy storage (TES), which captures heat in a liquid or solid medium. This approach opens up a world of possibilities for sustainable energy solutions. Among the viable options, rocks such as soapstone and granite stand out due to their formation under intense heat and their global availability. The researchers focused on the geological belts where the Craton and Usagaran meet in Tanzania,…