Thermal energy storage (TES) offers significant environmental benefits by optimizing energy use and supporting renewable integration:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
By shifting energy consumption to off-peak periods, TES avoids reliance on inefficient “peaker” power plants (often twice as carbon-intensive as baseload plants). This reduces CO₂ emissions, with studies showing life cycle GHG reductions of up to 7% compared to no storage and 210% compared to natural gas backup.
Enhanced renewable energy utilization
TES bridges gaps in solar and wind availability by storing excess renewable energy (e.g., wind power generated at night) for daytime cooling or industrial heating. This improves renewable capacity factors and reduces curtailment, making clean energy more viable.
Deferred fossil fuel infrastructure
Widespread TES adoption can delay or eliminate new power plant construction by flattening peak demand. For every four buildings using TES, a fifth can be cooled without additional grid capacity.
Additional benefits
- Lower transmission losses: Off-peak energy distribution reduces grid strain and associated energy waste (5-14% losses avoided during peak times).
- Waste heat integration: TES captures industrial waste heat for later use, improving energy efficiency.
- Cost-effective decarbonization: Enables electrification of heating/cooling using time-shifted renewable energy.
By addressing both supply- and demand-side challenges, TES plays a critical role in accelerating grid decarbonization.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-environmental-benefits-of-using-thermal-energy-storage/
