Alfa Laval joins EU funded development program SCO2OP-TES to revolutionize thermal energy storage and drive industrial decarbonization

Alfa Laval is pleased to be part of a new consortium consisting of 16 European companies and academic institutions, to develop a pioneering next-generation Power-to-heat energy storage technology. The initiative named SCO2OP-TES, is expected to revolutionize the TES (Thermal Energy Storage) industry with cost effectiveness, grid stability, and continuous industrial heat supply using renewable energy sources. It is a pivotal part of the European Union’s strategy to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources and decarbonization in the European energy market.

SCO2OP-TES is aligned with the REPowerEU Plan aiming for 1236 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which is a significant increase from the 1067 GW target in the "Fit for 55" package. To meet this, effective energy storage ensuring grid stability and continuous renewable energy use is crucial.

Alfa Laval’s contribution to SCO2OP-TES is to develop and deliver the innovative and efficient heat exchangers which will be key to the thermal energy storage process and play an important role in the success of the new technology.
 

"We are excited that our pioneering and highly efficient heat exchanger technologies will contribute to this revolutionary TES project. Energy storage is pivotal in the transition towards renewable energy sources and an important pathway to decarbonization and a more sustainable future,” says Alasdair Maciver, Head of Energy Storage Solutions at Alfa Laval.

Addressing the challenges of energy transition

The transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 faces challenges. Current storage methods, such as batteries and power-to-hydrogen systems, lack specific grid flexibility provided by rotating machines. With an estimated 780 TWh of electricity storage needed for the EU's renewable transition, batteries alone are insufficient. The EU seeks novel, cost-effective long duration energy storage (LDES) solutions offering extended durations and grid services.

A step towards a sustainable energy future

The project aim is to develop a new type of Carnot Battery that leverages heat from thermal RES (Renewable Energy Sources) or excess heat from industries and fossil-based power plants. This should guarantee a high round trip efficiency and make industrial/power plants more grid flexible.

Technological paradigm shift

SCO2OP-TES is more than just an energy storage project. It represents a technological paradigm shift, integrating Thermally Integrated Pumped Thermal Energy Storage with supercritical CO₂ cycles. This approach promises affordable long duration and large-scale storage solutions, crucial for integrating bulky renewable energy sources into the EU energy systems and transforming traditional power plants into flexible renewable energy plants.

The project has been funded by the European Union in the Horizon Europe framework under Grant Agreement n. 10113600. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Read the official SCO2OP-TES press release from the European Union here.

For further information, please contact: 

Tomas Bäckefjord 
Vice President Marketing & Communications, Energy Division 
Mobile: +46725554458 
tomas.backefjord@alfalaval.com 

  

This is Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Together, we are pioneering positive impact.

Alfa Laval has 20,300 employees. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 52.1 billion (approx. EUR 4.9 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.