ABSTRACT:
Thermal energy storage systems have a prominent role to play in implementing the energy transition. This is not only because thermal energy demand far exceeds electricity demand, but mainly because thermal energy storage systems often store energy more cost-effectively than comparable solutions in other energy sectors. Thus, thermal energy storage systems also have a key role to play in other than thermal energy sector, in connection with sector coupling (e.g. power-to-heat). With thermal energy storage systems, a cost-effective and complete energy transition is possible.
However, there are a number of barriers to this. A group of experts in NRW has taken up this topic. Apart from a few others, the most important obstacle to the widespread use of thermal energy storage across sectoral boundaries is the highly unequal burden of taxes and charges on energy in the various sectors. The results are briefly presented here.
VITA:
Prof. Dr. Ingo Stadler’s focus area is renewable energy, both in academia as well as in private sector projects. Since 2006, he is Professor for Renewable Energy and Energy Economics at TH Köln and one of the initiators of Cologne Institute for Renewable Energy (CIRE). For more than a decade he was working as expert in the PV programme of the International Energy Agency IEA. His research is about integration of large shares of renewable power into grid infrastructure and energy storage.
