How are large-scale thermal storage systems becoming the backbone of the heat transition?
Large-scale thermal energy storage systems play a central role in the conversion of our heating networks to a climate-neutral future. They enable renewable generation to be decoupled from consumption, reduce system costs and ensure security of supply. This makes them the backbone of a flexible, resilient district heating infrastructure. We develop solutions that are technically sound, economically viable and systemically well thought-out.
Strategically integrating storage
The transition to climate-neutral heat supply requires a massive expansion of storage capacities. Large-scale heat storage systems enable the integration of renewable energies, increase grid flexibility and ensure a reliable supply. Their importance is growing rapidly: internal analyses show that storage capacity in the German district heating network must increase by a factor of 150–300. With sound engineering know-how and in-depth system expertise, we develop technologically viable and economically sensible storage solutions.
Considering the overall system
Large-scale thermal storage systems are strategic elements of a flexible, resilient heating system. In our consulting services, we do not consider storage in isolation, but always in interaction with the overall system. Our models realistically simulate physical and thermodynamic processes and can be iteratively linked with techno-economic analyses. This enables us to comprehensively evaluate application scenarios and design variants – from potential analysis to approval testing. Our methods are developed in leading research projects and are continuously refined. Always with the aim of ensuring that investments are sustainable in the long term.
What we offer you
Detailed simulations (stand-alone & in the ESM energy system model)
In-depth analysis of storage performance under various system conditions and load profiles
Potential analysis
Identification of suitable locations and assessment of the systemic impact of a storage facility in the context of local heat demand
Suitability assessment
Preliminary technical and economic assessment of storage sites and concepts, including feasibility and approval framework
Modelling & optimisation
Development and application of detailed storage and network models – for design variants, storage sizes and deployment strategies
Simulation-based techno-economic assessment
Coupled analysis of technical and economic parameters for assessing storage integration in real systems
Economic analyses
Investment, operating and system costs depending on technical design and application context
Review of approvability
Assessment of legal framework conditions and risks in the planning process based on technical key data
Guide to large-scale thermal storage in district heating
This guide for planners and decision-makers involved in large-scale thermal energy storage was produced as part of the research project ‘Heat Transition: Strategies for the Use of Climate-Neutral District Heating Technologies’, which was launched in 2023. Produced by HIC CONSULTING in collaboration with partners, it offers a concise guide to the use of large-scale thermal storage in district heating systems. It brings together technical, economic and regulatory aspects from a systemic perspective, focusing on the interaction between storage facilities, generators, the network and operations. This practical guide is intended to facilitate further analysis and project-specific decision-making.
Why HIC CONSULTING
Large-scale thermal storage systems only realise their full potential when integrated into the overall system. This is precisely where our focus lies: on taking a holistic approach with the aim of making heat storage a strategic component of a flexible and resilient heating infrastructure.
Our models provide a realistic representation of physical and thermodynamic processes and are continuously refined through research projects. This enables us to carry out a thorough assessment of application scenarios, design options and system impacts – from the initial feasibility analysis right through to regulatory compliance checks.
By combining engineering and legal expertise, a deep understanding of systems and techno-economic assessment, we can support you throughout the entire project – across all service phases, from the initial concept through to implementation.
Highlight Projects
Reseach project TREASURE
The aim of the EU-funded TREASURE project is to bridge the gap between research and practice in order to ensure cost-efficient and sustainable thermal energy storage on a large scale. An interdisciplinary and transnational project team is developing concepts for the system integration of earth basin storage systems. The project plans to develop seven demonstration plants for earth basin heat storage systems in five EU countries. The experience and knowledge gained will help pave the way for the accelerated implementation of large-scale thermal energy storage systems.
Research project on heat transition: Strategies for the deployment of carbon-neutral district heating technologies
In the research project ‘The Heat Transition: Strategies for the Deployment of Climate-Neutral District Heating Technologies’, HIC CONSULTING, together with its consortium partners, is examining key issues relating to the future of district heating supply. The project examines various climate-neutral district heating technologies, identifies potential obstacles and develops measures to overcome these barriers.
Technical report on large-scale thermal and seasonal storage
As part of municipal heat planning for the city of Neubrandenburg, HIC CONSULTING prepared, among other things, the ‘Expert Report on Large-Scale Heat and Seasonal Storage’. The aim was to conduct a potential analysis of storage options for surplus heat for the district heating supply in Neubrandenburg. After evaluating the existing database, an investigation was carried out for earth basin and tank storage technologies to determine the extent to which seasonal or large-scale heat storage could be implemented from a technical, economic and regulatory perspective.
Expert report on large-scale seasonal thermal storage systems
For the study ‘Wärmeplan Rostock 2035’ (Rostock Heat Plan 2035), the team from HIC CONSULTING examined possible applications for large-scale seasonal heat storage in future heat supply concepts in a technical report. This included an inventory of the district heating network, including site conditions and preliminary approval requirements, the calculation of specific storage costs, and model input variables for downstream system simulation.
Research project on thermal storage in district heating
In the research project ‘SysGF: Systemic Analysis of Large-Scale Heat Storage in District Heating’, HIC CONSULTING is part of a consortium analysing the technical and economic potential of large-scale heat storage in combination with renewable heat generation in German district heating systems and the overarching energy system. To this end, district heating systems are integrated into a detailed model of the German energy system and optimised, taking into account sector coupling.
Expert report on large-scale thermal storage systems
On behalf of Stadtwerke Oranienburg, HIC CONSULTING prepared the ‘Expert Report on Seasonal Storage’ as part of municipal heat planning. The report assessed the local potential for heat storage. The report included the following services: inventory, area screening, technical specifications, simulation and economic feasibility analysis.
