From pv magazine Germany
Kraftblock, a Germany-based thermal energy storage specialist, has published a 30-page study with German consultancy DWR Eco on the benefits of thermal energy storage for power grids and renewable electricity production.
The study’s generally positive findings are unsurprising, but could still draw attention by highlighting the broader economic advantages of the technology.
Thermal energy storage systems can be charged with waste heat, particularly from industrial processes, or with electricity and store energy as heat at up to 1,300 C. The researchers said that these systems suit heavy industries such as steel, metal processing, and chemicals, where process heat accounts for up to two-thirds of industrial energy demand.
The study examines how thermal storage can supply process heat while supporting power grids in key markets, including the United States, Europe, and Australia. It also compares the technology’s advantages over hydrogen and direct electrification. The study shows that industries in Germany could cut electricity costs by up to 30%.
“The results show that the technology is much cheaper and much more efficient than hydrogen and also cheaper than direct electrification,” said Martin Schichtel, managing director and co-founder of Kraftblock.
In Australia’s extreme price environment, storage systems could achieve returns exceeding 150%. High and prolonged negative electricity prices, along with large spreads between negative and subsequent positive prices, create arbitrage opportunities, making storage a “net positive scenario.” In 2023, negative electricity prices accounted for 20% of total market hours.
Germany also faces a growing need for grid flexibility, making thermal energy storage “not just a technological advantage, but essential for energy systems and industries,” said Kraftblock co-founder Susanne König. These systems cost a fraction of large batteries and offer longer energy storage duration.
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I am really upset that hydrogen is always pictured as something not as economical or competitive as another process such as thermal storage. They use hydrogen as an energy villain for comparisons with a variety of energy applications. Actually hydrogen, is infinite, is 100% renewable, is the most versatile energy and chemical source in the Universe. The more green hydrogen you produce the cheaper it gets because the hydrogen is infinite. Oh by the way, without fossil fuels ( which is dirty hydrogen) we would not exist therefore without clean hydrogen you can kiss planet Earth goodbye.
Agreed that thermal storage is a largely untapped technology that can deliver enormous benefits to numerous energy intensive industries and manufacturing processes.. in the UK the government needs to remove the blinkers and encourage TES by allowing the same pricing mechanism for storing and despatching heat as enjoyed by storing and dispatching electricity.