Revolutionizing Energy Decarbonization: The Power of Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is a crucial technology for decarbonizing the energy sector. TES is used as a way to interconnect different energy types and decarbonize industrial heat using renewable power and green hydrogen. 

TES is a flexible technology that can store thermal energy by raising the temperature of a solid or liquid, changing a material's phase, or utilizing chemical reactions. It is a more affordable and efficient solution than batteries and hydrogen options, but it faces several challenges that include: limited awareness, diverse heating requirements, charging and discharging complexities, integration costs and site dependence, technical maturity, and commercial availability. 

Here are some ways that stakeholders and policy-makers can support the adoption of TES: creating market incentives, providing financial support, updating regulatory frameworks, developing decarbonization roadmaps, and more. 

The need to decarbonize industrial heat production, which accounts for 40% of the total heat demand and 45% of energy-related emissions, is urgent. TES is the future of decarbonizing industries and the global energy sector. By leading a more flexible grid, reduced energy costs, and more efficient use of renewable energy sources, it has the potential for up to a 20% reduction in the current global footprint.