Heat Storage Innovation Roadmap 2024: New opportunities for heat storage in the Netherlands

TNO recently published an innovation roadmap Heat Storage 2024. The new roadmap was created in cooperation with more than 20 Dutch heat storage developers and provides a holistic overview of the current state of technology, including specific use cases and timelines for development. Energy Storage NL is pleased to have been able to contribute to this roadmap. The roadmap describes several technologies, including: 

• Passive PCMs integrated into building materials. 
• Tactile heat storage in water or alternative materials. 
• Thermochemical storage (TCM) for decentralized and centralized applications. 
• Redox heat storage and high temperature storage (HTO). 

Heat storage in the Netherlands: Leader with challenges

For decades, the Netherlands has been a leader in technologies such as Thermal Storage (CHS) and High Temperature Storage (HTO). In addition, thermochemical materials (TCM) and phase transition materials (PCMs) are among the technologies in which the Netherlands excels worldwide. The role of thermal storage in the energy transition is becoming increasingly important due to its potential to balance fluctuations in supply and demand and make the energy system more flexible. 

Technical and organizational challenges

Despite the many innovations, developers still face several technical challenges, such as: 

• Increasing efficiency and storage capacity. 
• Improved functionality at varying temperatures. 
• Development of sustainable and circular materials. 

There are also organizational and policy obstacles, such as a lack of regulations and standards, funding for scale-up, and limited knowledge about thermal storage among the general public. 

Opportunities for collaboration and large-scale market introduction

The roadmap emphasizes the importance of cooperation between public and private parties. Innovations in heat storage can not only contribute to making the Netherlands more sustainable, but also create new export opportunities. The focus here is on three spearheads: 

1. Funding and grants
   Creating a level playing field for thermal storage technologies relative to other forms of energy storage. This includes long-term subsidies for research and scale-up. 
2. Integration into the energy system
   Heat storage must become an integral part of the energy system, supported by renewed regulation and better sector linkage. 
3. International cooperation
   By intensifying knowledge exchange with foreign markets, the Netherlands can strengthen its position as a leader and tap new markets. 

The way forward

Although thermal storage already enjoys some visibility, it remains an underexposed topic in the sustainability of the built environment. To widely implement this technology, it is essential to: 

• Increase awareness through demonstration projects and knowledge bases. 
• Develop targeted policies that encourage investment. 
• Review regulations and standards to reduce uncertainties among users and investors. 

The Heat Storage Innovation Roadmap provides a clear roadmap for innovation and collaboration. It is an invitation to all stakeholders to participate in the energy transition and work together to make the Netherlands more sustainable. 

For more information and access to the reports, visit the TKI Urban Energy website.