Spanish and European Energy Savings with Increased Use of Thermal Energy Storage
Abstract
Thermal energy storage (TES) is nowadays presented as one of the most feasible solutions in facing the challenge of achieving energy savings and environmentally correct behaviours. Its potential applications have led to R&D activities and to the development of various technology types. However, so far there is no available data on a national scale in Spain and furthermore, on a continental level in Europe, to back up the energetic and environmental benefits attributed to TES usage. This is why, based on a previous potential calculation initiative model performed in Germany, this work intends to provide a first overview of the Spanish and European TES potential. Load reductions, energy savings and CO2 emissions reductions are tackled for the buildings and industrial sector. A 10-year scenario has been settled with moderate storage implementation rates in order to keep results within realistic margins. Based on the input data and taken assumptions it has been determined that if for instance, 2005 energy consumption and CO2 emissions are compared with obtained results, energy savings and CO2 emissions reductions are of 11% and 8.5% respectively.