EASE’s 3 Key Actions to Boost Thermal Energy Storage

EASE has published its Position Paper on Thermal Energy Storage (TES), which highlights the role of TES in supporting the energy transition. The paper outlines the applications and key features of TES systems and explains how the heating and cooling sector is important for the transition to a low-carbon energy system. Smart heat concepts, including thermal storage concepts, have the potential to provide the needed flexibility options – storage, demand response, and smart operation – on the short term and at a relatively low cost.

EASE proposes three concrete short-term actions that can further leverage the actions proposed by the Commission in the “Clean Energy for All Europeans” Package:

• Assess the benefits and (market) potential of thermal energy storage options for prosumers, industry, and communities, among other flexibility solutions; improve efforts to communicate the role and benefits of thermal storage.
• Implement non-discriminatory market incentives and regulatory frameworks across the EU for flexibility solutions.
• Support demonstration and deployment projects for (new) integrated solutions which incorporate pre-commercial thermal energy storage options in smart energy systems to reach the required flexibility at lowest system costs.

These proposals would support the EU’s goals to empower consumers, improve energy efficiency, and decarbonise the energy sector, including the often underexposed heating and cooling sector, in a cost-effective way.