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The system in the article works alongside gas and wood chips heating, so there are other options in place if the sand battery cannot be "charged".

FTA:

> The project will cut fossil-based emissions in the Vääksy district heating network by around 60% each year, by reducing natural gas use bu 80% and also decreasing wood chip consumption.

Not really, we're currently borderline. If OL3 goes down, and it's simultaneously cold over the nordics + northern germany and the baltics, and no wind, our industry will have to shutdown.

Why no power? The forests, hydro dams, heat plants and such that gave power long before wind became a thing are still there.

This would be an argument for widespread backup power, actually. If every residence had enough backup power to get through 24 hours, it would be far easier to deal with these relatively rare doldrums.

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