Thermal energy storage potential for the state of Berlin
Around half of Berlin's CO2 emissions are attributable to the heating sector. Its sustainable transformation is therefore fundamental to the city's climate neutrality target by 2045. Heat storages are an important component of this. Their potential must be taken into account as part of heat planning. While short-term heat storage systems support load management and efficient sector coupling, seasonal heat storage systems are suitable for increasing the renewable coverage rates in heat grids. However, the possibilities for implementing heat storage systems depend on a number of framework conditions. Depending on the type and size of the storage facility and the planned application, these include the availability of land, legal issues regarding the use of the subsoil, the design of the approval procedure, spatial planning requirements, soil conditions and statics, environmental regulations and safety risks. Another key criterion for the feasibility of storage projects is economic viability, which is dependent on financing concepts and business models as well as funding opportunities.
In the project, the IÖW conducts research and interviews to determine the obstacles and success factors for the use of heat storage systems. Based on these results and several workshops with key stakeholders, recommendations for action are being developed for the specific Berlin application.
