The global energy landscape, as outlined in the Energy Institute's 2024 report, is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the urgency of addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is accelerating, but storage technologies like TES are vital for making this transition successful.
.png)
One of the key technologies identified by the World Economic Forum in the future of energy systems is Thermal Energy Storage (TES). TES allows for the storage of heat energy, which can be used later to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling. This is particularly important for addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. By storing excess energy generated during peak production times TES systems can release energy when demand is higher or when renewable energy production is low
For South Africa, where solar energy potential is vast, TES can play a pivotal role in stabilizing the grid and ensuring a reliable supply of energy during periods when the sun isn’t shining. It also aligns with the country's need to reduce reliance on coal while addressing the intermittency challenge associated with renewable energy.
;)