Thermal Storage Systems as a Contribution to Energy Security: Resilience and Supply Security for Industry

Energiesicherheit: Der weltweite Strombedarf steigt kontinuierlich an

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In times of increasing geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets, energy security has become one of the central challenges for countries and industrial companies. The past few years have particularly demonstrated how quickly the energy market situation can escalate — with far-reaching consequences: Energy shortages in the industry can not only significantly reduce production capacity but also disrupt supply chains and cause severe financial losses.

 

Innovative storage technologies, such as thermal storage systems, offer new opportunities to optimize energy security. Especially in energy-intensive industries, modern storage solutions can achieve greater efficiency and flexibility.

Rising Electricity Demand and the Importance of Energy Security in Industry

In 2024, the share of renewable energy sources in the European electricity mix reached a new record high: 46 percent of the net electricity supply came from renewables last year. This development is positive not only in terms of climate goals but also in the context of energy security. The ongoing expansion of wind and solar energy is a crucial step towards decentralizing energy supply and reducing dependency on energy imports.

 

At the same time, the increasing electrification of the mobility sector and the use of power-to-X technologies in industrial processes are driving a significant rise in electricity demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity demand is expected to grow six times faster than overall energy demand by 2035. Therefore, to ensure a reliable energy supply in the long term, it is essential to use existing energy as efficiently as possible. This also includes storing energy during times of high availability to use it later when needed.

The Role of Thermal Energy Storage in Energy Security

Against this backdrop, innovative storage technologies are gaining increasing importance, as they offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to ensure a reliable energy supply while achieving both ecological and economic goals. Thermal energy storage systems make it possible to store energy in the form of heat and make it available precisely when it is needed. This helps to bridge energy supply gaps caused by grid outages, peak loads, or the volatility of renewable energies, thus stabilizing energy supply.

 

Particularly in energy-intensive industries that often require constant temperatures, companies can use process steam or process heat from renewable energy sources without relying on fossil fuels.

Thermal Storage Systems as Part of a Sustainable Energy Security Concept

In addition to stabilizing energy supply, thermal storage systems contribute to achieving climate goals by replacing fossil fuels, reducing energy losses, and increasing energy efficiency. Companies can enhance their resilience while operating more sustainably. Load shifting also helps to relieve the electricity grid and further improve supply security.

 

Thermal storage systems are increasingly recognized by policymakers as essential components for greater sustainability and energy security. Funding programs and tax incentives promote the implementation of such technologies, while regulatory requirements can be met at the same time.

Financial and Strategic Benefits of Thermal Storage Systems

Thermal storage systems help companies reduce their dependency on energy suppliers and fluctuating energy prices. By purchasing energy during times of low grid demand and storing it for use during peak times, companies can achieve long-term energy cost savings.

 

Storing and using energy on-site increases the autonomy of businesses, which is particularly advantageous during crises when external energy sources may be unavailable. Securing energy supply strengthens a company’s position within the supply chain and enhances reliability for business partners and customers. For companies, energy security is becoming a strategic competitive factor that boosts resilience against crises, preventing production downtimes and financial losses.

Energy Security as a Strategic Business Goal

In conclusion, thermal storage systems offer a flexible and sustainable solution to ensure energy security in the industry. They enable companies to operate independently of energy markets and grid fluctuations while safeguarding their production capacities and sustainability goals. In an era of increasingly volatile energy markets, thermal storage systems are an innovative and easily integrable technology that allows businesses to pursue energy security as a strategic objective, ensuring long-term competitiveness and supply chain stability.

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In a time of increasing energy crises, energy security is becoming a decisive competitive factor for companies. Thermal storage technologies make it possible to store energy efficiently, bridge supply gaps, and reduce dependency on volatile energy markets. Energy-intensive industries, in particular, benefit from greater resilience, lower energy costs, and a significant contribution to climate goals.