FIND THE CONTENTS THAT INTEREST YOU
Thermal storage already has a clearly defined market in industrial applications where heat management is critical: low- and medium-temperature heat processes in the food, chemical, and manufacturing industries, district heating networks, and heat accumulation for solar thermal installations. In these segments, the economic value of optimizing thermal energy is tangible, and there are clear business cases for asset owners and energy operators. In addition, there is growing interest in solutions that combine thermal storage with process electrification or cogeneration systems, opening up further short-term commercial opportunities.
Industries with high thermal management needs—such as chemical, steel, ceramic, and paper industries—will be early adopters. Sectors with large thermal demands across wide temperature ranges also stand out, including food, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as district heating and cooling networks. At the same time, thermochemical storage linked to hydrogen production or gas separation will drive adoption in energy-intensive industries and synthetic fuel manufacturers.
The main economic barriers include uncertainty about real operational lifetime (durability and cycling), relatively high upfront costs compared to conventional thermal solutions, and perceived technological risk, which slows industrial investment. Additionally, the lack of standardized business models and limited visibility of regulatory incentives specifically targeting thermal storage—compared to other energy solutions—complicates return-on-investment assessments for financiers.
Hybridization is a key value lever: it maximizes the flexibility of the energy asset and diversifies revenue streams. For example, integrating thermal storage with thermochemical processes—such as hydrogen production or CO₂ capture/conversion—not only broadens the range of applications but can transform a cost asset into a service-generating asset: load balancing, peak shaving, supply of clean heat/fuels, etc. This significantly strengthens the business case and makes it more attractive for investors.
From TRL 7–8 onwards, where the technology has been demonstrated in real environments and operational data is available, perceived risk is substantially reduced. Investors and industry players typically require evidence of performance, reliability, and real costs before committing significant capital. Therefore, the transition from lab-scale to industrial pilots and demonstrators is critical to unlocking private investment.
Both approaches have their place, but there is growing demand for modular and scalable solutions. These allow companies to start with lower initial investments and expand capacity as performance is validated in their specific production context. Modularity also facilitates standardization, reduces engineering costs, and accelerates replication across different plants or geographies.
European regulation has made progress in recognizing energy storage as a strategic asset, but specific gaps remain for thermal and thermochemical storage—particularly in the valuation of ancillary services or credits for thermal flexibility. Policies that internalize environmental value and positive externalities—such as emissions reduction or system resilience—would strongly support deployment. The development of market mechanisms that remunerate thermal services and the definition of technical standards will be key to market expansion.
AI and advanced modeling enable better understanding of complex material and system behavior before investing in costly prototypes. For instance, by predicting degradation of thermal storage materials, optimizing operations under multiple scenarios, or accelerating the discovery of more efficient thermochemical materials. This reduces technical uncertainty, improves lifecycle cost estimations, and provides strong evidence for financial decision-makers.
European solutions can compete through a focus on holistic sustainability, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles, integrating environmental, social, and governance criteria from the design phase. Europe can also leverage its strength in applied research, its public–private collaboration networks, and its strong industrial base to deliver solutions that are not only efficient but also robust, safe, and sustainable. This value proposition can be decisive in markets that prioritize more than just cost.
CIC energiGUNE works with an integrated approach that connects advanced research, pre-industrial validation, and industrial application, aiming to transform thermal storage and its conversion into real and competitive solutions.
Development starts with advanced material and process design, combining thermal storage, thermochemical conversion, and catalysis, always aligned with industrial needs such as process decarbonization and efficient heat management. These technologies are validated under relevant conditions, assessing durability, integration, and lifecycle costs, thereby reducing technological risk.
Additionally, advanced modeling and artificial intelligence accelerate system design and optimization, while close collaboration with industry helps identify priority applications and generate market opportunities in areas such as industrial decarbonization, CO₂ valorization, and energy autonomy.
Overall, this approach enables the transformation of scientific knowledge into high-value, impactful, and competitive solutions.
If you want to know the latest trends in energy storage and new developments in research, subscribe.
If you want to join a top-level team, collaborate with specialists in multiple disciplines or tell us about your concerns, don't think twice...