Thermal Energy Storage
HEAT RESERVOIRS
Linking renewable electricity with heat networks and thermal storage, becomes a powerful tool for the future UK energy system. Harvesting and storing surplus renewable generation that would otherwise be curtailed, strengthens local energy resilience, and reduces the need for costly electricity grid upgrades.
What is the most efficient method for storing renewable electricity?
During times of surplus or “waste” electricity production excess renewable energy can be stored efficiently as thermal energy in for example large pit storage facilities, abandoned quarries or mines.
Stored for days, weeks or even months at a time this heated water can be dispatched and distributed more widely using Heat Transmission Highways to supply surrounding regions with clean and affordable home heating.
A Coastal Blueprint for Affordable Clean Heat
At the heart of Hvide Sande’s success is a smart, flexible energy system built on renewable generation and long-term thinking. The backbone includes three large wind turbines, a solar park, an electric boiler, a large-scale heat pump, and most importantly, a vast thermal energy storage system. These technologies work together to decouple energy supply from demand, making the most of renewable electricity when it’s available, and storing any excess as heat for use when it’s needed most.
Future Energy System
Heat Transmission
Regional-scale heat transmission infrastructure, also known as Heat Highways, is the mechanism for transporting waste heat over long distances.
Heat Sources
Across our regions, abundant sources of untapped heat – such as waste incineration, industrial processes, surface water, and geothermal reserves – are waiting to be harnessed.
Sector Coupling
Green Energi Havens can unlock the full potential of British energy, creating a future where nothing goes to waste.
