Energy storage systems to make Europe’s energy supply independent

Power grids, industrial plants, or electromobility – systems that use energy from renewable sources need storage capacities to ensure flexible and demand-oriented energy supply. This is exactly where the recently completed European research project StoRIES (Storage Research Infrastructure Eco-System) comes into play: Coordinated by KIT, the successful project linked research infrastructures, industry, and science institutions all over Europe with the aim to develop strategies for addressing future energy storage demands. “With StoRIES, we’ve generated momentum throughout the entire value chain – materials, technologies, and integration into the energy infrastructure,” said Professor Stefano Passerini, project manager at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), which is operated by KIT, the University of Ulm, and other partners. “The research project has brought European actors closer together and has helped to strengthen skills and expand infrastructures. The result is a European network consisting of 250 research institutions, specialized labs, and test environments.”
 

Hybrid Storage Systems for Industry, Power Grid, and Mobility

A key objective of StoRIES was to identify storage technologies that allow counterbalancing the fluctuating availability of renewables. The project results showed that no single technology is capable of meeting all energy system requirements of the future. While battery storage systems are very efficient with rapid load changes in the power grid, thermal storage is a good option for thermal processes in industry. Finally, hydrogen is particularly suitable for long-term storage applications. Based on this analysis, the researchers have developed a technology roadmap as well as a strategic research and innovation agenda for hybrid energy storage systems. “Only an intelligent combination of different storage technologies will enable an energy system that is at the same time flexible, stable, and climate-neutral,” said Dr. Myriam E. Gil Bardají, deputy project coordinator at KIT. “Our findings show which technologies need to interact for this purpose and where further research and development activities are needed in Europe.”
 

The research covered plans for the electrification of ports and of heavy-load traffic, the renewable energy supply of remote regions, and the subsequent use of conventional power plant sites as hubs for storage and flexible use of renewables. The researchers also developed approaches to combine storage systems for buildings and industry, intelligently linking electricity, heat, and hydrogen. “The energy transition relies on solutions that can be adapted to very different applications,” said Dr. Olga Sumińska-Ebersoldt from the HIU, a StoRIES co-initiator. “Our case studies show that hybrid storage systems not only offer technical advantages, but are also useful when it comes to the efficient reuse of existing infrastructures and a better integration of renewable energy into everyday life.”
 

European Network for the Energy Transition

StoRIES not only yielded technological results, but also initiated the creation of new structures for energy storage research in Europe. Over 100 early-career researchers attended the summer schools in Nicosia, Rome, and Trondheim. International exchange programs, mentoring formats, and online courses for junior researchers added to this offer. The European Commission praised StoRIES as one of the trailblazing projects under the European Green Deal, referring to it as an EU project that is particularly relevant to the European clean energy transition. “StoRIES showed how European research cooperations can make valuable contributions to energy and climate policy,” said Dr. Holger Ihssen from the Brussels office of the Helmholtz Association, who coordinated the collaboration with European institutions and networks in the project as well as the networking activities on the international level. “The networks, strategies, and education formats developed in the project will have an impact far beyond the project’s term and will strengthen Europe’s innovative power in terms of sustainable energy systems.” 

More information on StoRIES

More information on the roadmap

More information on the innovation agenda

More about the KIT Energy Center
 

In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.