The Key Role of Thermal Storage Technologies in Efficiency and Supporting Renewable Energy in Europe

Thermal energy is a crucial component in the global energy landscape, representing over half of the world's final energy consumption.

In this context, thermal energy storage (TES) technologies emerge as vital tools for more efficient and sustainable energy management. The ability to store thermal energy for use when needed helps not only to promote the integration of renewable energy but also to improve overall energy efficiency, thus balancing energy supply and demand more effectively.

How Energy Storage Technologies Are Shaping the European Energy Landscape

In the European context, the importance of thermal energy storage technologies is being explored and valued through various innovative EU-funded projects such as ECHO, BEST-Storage, HYSTORE, and ThumbsUp. These projects focus on various practical applications of TES, from creating demonstration sites to implementing best practices, with the aim of concretely demonstrating the benefits of these technologies at the community and local levels.

A detailed overview of these efforts was recently provided during a webinar held on May 7, organized by the European Heat Pump Association. The seminar, titled “Stakeholder Engagement and Market Analysis: From Residents to Building Owners and Neighborhood Associations,” highlighted preliminary results and offered a platform for discussing local implementation strategies.

The various projects presented a range of approaches and outcomes. For example, the BEST-Storage project analyzed the economic performance and competitiveness of thermal energy storage solutions through pilot studies conducted in Estonia, Switzerland, Greece, and Spain, highlighting how these solutions can significantly help minimize energy consumption peaks and reduce energy costs for consumers.

Similarly, the ECHO project established five demonstration sites in Italy, Belgium, Serbia, and Spain, where awareness campaigns were launched to actively engage citizens, businesses, academic institutions, and public entities. This strengthened local awareness of the benefits of storage technologies and stimulated active participation in the energy transition.

HYSTORE and ThumbsUp Storage Projects

The HYSTORE project adopted a similar approach in Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Ireland, where coordinators promoted a collaborative dialogue between various parties through interviews, meetings, and questionnaires. These activities allowed for better exploration and understanding of the needs and expectations of local communities regarding the adoption of energy storage technologies.

Lastly, ThumbsUp launched a survey to determine the level of social readiness for thermal energy storage, offering an opportunity to assess the degree of acceptance and knowledge of these technologies among the public.

These initiatives collectively underscore the fundamental importance of civic engagement and dialogue among various stakeholders, not only to create sustainable business models but also to build robust trust in the advantages and operational feasibility of storage technologies.