Demonstration of thermal energy storage solutions for solar thermal plants and systems
Support will be given to the demonstration of innovative thermal energy storage solutions in the following areas: (i) concentrated solar power and/or (ii) solar thermal heat and/or cold. The proposed solutions will have to achieve substantial improvements in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness and life span compared to the current state of the art.
Project results are expected to contribute to some of the following expected outcomes:
- Significant reduction of LCOHS (Levelised Cost of Heat Storage) and/or LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy);
- Technology providers profit from successful demonstration and de-risking of thermal energy storage solutions that improve the dispatchability of solar thermal plants and/or systems;
- Technology providers have improved access to financing through better understanding of the bankability of dispatchable solar thermal solutions;
- Electricity grid operators have access to reliable options to cope with the increase in the share of variable-output renewables and reduce curtailments;
- The execution of the solar thermal implementation plan of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) is supported and facilitated;
- The execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda is supported and facilitated.
Planned opening date: 16 September 2025
Deadline date: 17 February 2026 17:00:00 Brussels time