Conversion of energy systems and the role of thermal storage.

Climate change is the major driver for the transformation of energy systems globally. Renewable energies and high efficient energy conversion on the whole chain from primary energy to useful energy in all end-use sectors are key elements of highly decarbonized energy systems. In the paper results of a simulation-based optimization of the transformation of the German energy system will be presented and the role of different types of storage – both for heat and electricity and short term storage as well as long-term storage – will be particularly highlighted. Cost-optimization of the overall system clearly shows the dominant role that energy storage must play in both the heat and electricity sector under energy scenarios that lead to highly decarbonized overall energy systems. The analysis provides an insight into the needed deployment of energy storage, in particular heat storage.