First Time Right: innovation and scaling in thermal energy storage

The transition to sustainable energy is in full swing, with thermal storage technologies playing a vital role in efficiently utilizing renewable energy. Cellcius, a pioneer in this sector with their development of a salt thermal battery and storage system, and Invest-NL have jointly executed a First Time Right project. From this, substantive insights have emerged regarding financial, legal, and (commercial) positioning challenges. The findings of this research have been made available to all market parties as of today.

Thermal storage is widely recognized as crucial in maximizing the effectiveness of renewable energy sources. However, the path towards scaling thermal storage solutions proves to be complex. Companies not only encounter technological hurdles but also often lack the necessary legal, financial, and commercial frameworks to develop their business case and market proposition. Invest-NL has conducted three studies that provide insight and assistance in these bottleneck areas concerning these challenges.

First Time Right

Invest-NL's First Time Right program is designed to support innovative pioneers who deploy technological innovations for the energy transition in their initial commercial projects, especially where they encounter challenges that lie outside their core expertise. Through expert tailored advice, where consultants are selected and paid for by Invest-NL, the program assists entrepreneurs and the market in realizing innovative projects more quickly and efficiently. All acquired knowledge (except for confidential information) is not only provided to the participating entrepreneur but is also made public to give others in the market the opportunity to develop propositions more quickly.

Three reports for a sustainable business model

Using Cellcius's business case as an example and starting points from the thermal market, the report 'Financial Feasibility of Thermal Battery' has been compiled. A guide that sheds light on the financial dimension of thermal storage development, shared with financial institutions and Dutch developers.In addition, developing a large-scale thermal storage project requires in-depth legal knowledge and support. This has led to a robus tlegal framework, serving as a blueprint on the public law framework for companies in the thermal storage sector to support their developments with covered risks and clear guidelines.Insight into market needs and the potential of thermal storage was also central to this research. Extensive interviews with stakeholders from the sector have resulted in the 'Positioning Scan Thermal Storage: Opportunities for Thermal Storage', an essential guide for positioning new developments in the market. This guide allows other thermal storage developers to understand how they can develop use cases for their technology in which market parties see added value.

View the reports

Energy

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10 oktober 2023

Thermal battery - lessons learned

Towards a sustainable future with thermal storage

With the successful completion of the project, three reports are now available to assist the thermal storage sector with market and proposition development. Invest-NL continues to support innovative technologies and sustainable developments and serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. With the insights from the pathway with Cellcius, we take a step forward towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.