More sustainable heat through seasonal storage

Thermal energy storage is profitable and relevant. Previous Invest-NL research - Opportunities for thermal storage systems - estimates a market potential of 45 PJ in 2050. By 2035, this will represent a market value of €500 million. It also results in a significant social return: adding buffers reduces the use of gas-fired peak boilers and makes heat networks more flexible and future-proof.

In response to this cold feet, Invest-NL has commissioned Berenschot to develop concrete tools and guidelines for initiators such as municipalities, heat cooperatives, and project developers. The key tools are:

A comparison of different heating options in existing buildings. This comparison shows that the CO₂ -performance of a district heating network with seasonal storage is significantly better than without storage. By 2030, the total CO₂ -emissions of a district heating network based on sustainable sources can be reduced by 60% thanks to heat storage.
A list of performance indicators that market parties can use to assess and compare different heat storage technologies.
Methods for ensuring the quality and performance of a heat storage system. Externally validated simulations, supported by on-site monitoring, can already effectively evaluate energetic performance.
A flowchart related to geothermal energy systems and environmental law, serving as a guide for municipalities when issuing permits for high-temperature heat storage systems. Generally, it appears that constructing a seasonal storage system requires a building environmental permit, but not an environmental permit.

Invest-NL is committed to further increasing the financing possibilities for heat storage projects. This is a warm invitation to entrepreneurs and project developers seeking funding for scaling up heat storage and realizing scalable heat projects, including storage technology, to contact us.