The importance of Thermal Energy Storage

Li-ion batteries have dominated conversations in energy storage for some time now. Rightly so, they're an amazing technology that are helping us harness the full potential of growing renewable generation. 

However, for larger system applications or longer durations, alternative technologies will also have a crucial part to play. One such area I'm particularly excited about is Thermal Energy Storage (TES).

Industrial heat generation accounts for 50% of the world's energy use, and is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions (40%). Heat generation for industrial processes is set to grow significantly over the next few years given the rise of newly industrialised countries like China, India etc. For a lot of these industrial processes, conventional fossil fuel generation has been used to produce and store the heat needed for their processes, and if clean energy is going to replace this then we need affordable, highly efficient clean technologies that can offer the same, if not better results. 

Brilliant technologies like the BGen system from Brenmiller Energy, featured in this article, are facilitating great opportunities particularly for large industrial applications. The unique aspect of these systems is the ability to be multi-dimensional offering ways to both produce and store heat and electricity unlike other ESS solutions.

Waste heat energy is a big problem traditionally, so with these technologies you can capture heat energy not used, and store it for future use (heat-to-heat) or this can be converted to electricity for use in wider industrial processes. Likewise, excess electricity generated (at negative prices) can be converted and stored as heat, and then used for heat demand (power-to-heat) or for future electricity needs (heat-to-power).

Historically, such technology has been seen as too expensive or lacking the efficiency of existing processes but with renewables prices at an all time low, systems becoming less expensive (for example Brenmillar use crushed rock for their storage material), and round-trip efficiencies much higher - these systems are becoming commercially viable.

Brenmiller are one company seeing strong commercial interest in their TES solutions, but there are a number of other companies also becoming commercialised such as Antora, Rondo Energy, Malta Inc (a historic Hyperion client), and attracting large ticket investments along with new players like Magaldi Green emerging from the shadows. I expect there will be a wave of industrial corporates investing and acquiring these technologies as part of their energy transition efforts too. 

It seems like Thermal Energy Storage has a big future ahead!

Hyperion supports international Energy Storage companies to recruit the best senior and executive talent. We excel in international expansion hires with “first boots on the ground” recruits to help build business in a new territory. If you're seeking support of an expert firm for your growth mission, then get in touch today at david.beeston@hyperionsearch.com