Thermal Energy Storage Technology Roadmap for Decarbonising Medium-Temperature Heat Processes—A Review

Anabel Palacios (), Yannick Krabben, Esther Linder, Ann-Katrin Thamm, Cordin Arpagaus, Sidharth Paranjape, Frédéric Bless, Daniel Carbonell, Philipp Schuetz, Jörg Worlitschek and Anastasia Stamatiou
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Anabel Palacios: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Yannick Krabben: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Esther Linder: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Ann-Katrin Thamm: SPF Institute for Solar Technology, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 8640 Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
Cordin Arpagaus: Institute for Energy Systems, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 9471 Buchs, Switzerland
Sidharth Paranjape: Institute for Energy Systems, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 9471 Buchs, Switzerland
Frédéric Bless: Institute for Energy Systems, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 9471 Buchs, Switzerland
Daniel Carbonell: SPF Institute for Solar Technology, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, 8640 Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
Philipp Schuetz: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Jörg Worlitschek: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland
Anastasia Stamatiou: Competence Center Thermal Energy Storage (CCTES), Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6048 Horw, Switzerland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-53

Abstract: This review presents a technology roadmap for Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems operating in the medium-temperature range of 100–300 °C, a critical window that accounts for approximately 37% of industrial process heat demand in Europe. Decarbonising this segment is essential to meeting climate targets, especially in sectors that are reliant on fossil-fuel-based steam. The study analyses 11 TES technologies, including sensible, latent, and thermochemical systems, covering both mature and emerging solutions. Each technology is evaluated based on technical, environmental, and socio-economic key performance indicators (KPIs), such as energy density (up to 200 kWh/m 3 ), cost per storage capacity (€2–100/kWh), and technological readiness level (TRL). Sensible heat technologies are largely mature and commercially available, while latent heat systems—especially those using nitrate salts—offer promising energy density and cost trade-offs. Thermochemical storage, though less mature, shows potential in high-cycle applications and long-term flexibility. The review highlights practical configurations and integration strategies and identifies pathways for research and deployment. This work offers a comprehensive reference for stakeholders aiming to accelerate industrial decarbonisation through TES, particularly for applications such as drying, evaporation, and low-pressure steam generation.

Keywords: heat processes; industrial processes; medium temperature; technology outlook; thermal energy storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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