In 2020, industrial activities within the EU emitted a total of 351 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, marking an 8% reduction from the levels recorded in 2019. Numerous instances require continuous high-temperature heat for these processes, and currently, no feasible solution for decarbonization exists. The implementation of viable short-term thermal energy storage, lasting up to 48 hours, would facilitate the substitution of fossil fuels with industrial waste heat and renewable electricity.

HEATERNAL brings together four specialized public research teams focused on prototyping and modeling thermal systems, phase-change materials, and 3D printing. Additionally, it involves two manufacturers each from the metals and ceramics sectors, a process engineering SME, an equipment manufacturer, an SME specialized in life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis, as well as an SME experienced in dissemination and communication. The collaborative objective is to create a prototype and model for an innovative thermal energy storage concept that draws from substantial scientific and industrial expertise.

This involves two key components:

(i) inventive phase-change materials and unit designs that amplify unit energy density by 350% compared to ceramic bricks, and

(ii) manufacturing proficiency that guarantees swift integration of materials and units into factories by 2030. Consequently, the project aims to produce a 50-kWh prototype (at Technology Readiness Level 5) along with scaled-up storage system models tailored for factory integration.