EU Initiative SCO2OP-TES Advances Green Energy Transition with Alfa Laval

EU Initiative SCO2OP-TES Advances Green Energy Transition with Alfa Laval

(IN BRIEF) Alfa Laval is part of a 16-member consortium called SCO2OP-TES, which aims to develop advanced Power-to-Heat energy storage technology. This initiative, aligned with the European Union’s renewable energy goals, seeks to provide cost-effective and grid-stable thermal energy storage using renewable sources. Alfa Laval’s role involves developing efficient heat exchangers crucial for the project’s success. The project addresses challenges in achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050, offering a Carnot Battery that leverages heat from renewable sources and excess industrial heat. It represents a technological shift and promises affordable, large-scale, and sustainable energy storage solutions. Funding comes from the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUND, 16-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Alfa Laval, a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, is thrilled to announce its active participation as a key member of the innovative SCO2OP-TES consortium, a collaborative effort involving 16 prominent European companies and academic institutions. This consortium has been formed with the ambitious goal of spearheading the development of next-generation Power-to-Heat energy storage technology. This groundbreaking initiative, known as SCO2OP-TES, holds the potential to transform the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) industry by introducing groundbreaking advancements in terms of cost-effectiveness, grid stability, and the provision of continuous industrial heat through the utilization of renewable energy sources.

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.

The SCO2OP-TES project represents a crucial component of the European Union’s overarching strategy, which seeks to expedite the transition towards renewable energy sources and decarbonization across the European energy landscape. This strategic alignment underscores the project’s paramount importance within the broader context of Europe’s energy transition.

“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.

Alfa Laval’s role within the SCO2OP-TES consortium is both significant and specialized. The company will leverage its extensive expertise to develop and supply cutting-edge heat exchangers, a pivotal element in the thermal energy storage process. These innovative heat exchangers will play a central role in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the new energy storage technology.

The energy transition towards 100% renewable energy by 2050 is a monumental challenge that our society faces today. While strides have been made in harnessing renewable energy sources, one major hurdle remains—efficient and sustainable energy storage. Traditional methods, such as batteries and power-to-hydrogen systems, do not provide the grid flexibility and extended storage durations needed to support Europe’s ambitious renewable energy targets. To meet these objectives, the European Union is actively seeking novel, cost-effective solutions for long-duration energy storage (LDES) that can deliver both extended storage capabilities and critical grid services.

The SCO2OP-TES project aims to address this pressing need by pioneering a new kind of energy storage technology known as the Carnot Battery. This innovative system leverages heat from thermal Renewable Energy Sources (RES) or excess heat generated by industrial processes and fossil-based power plants. By doing so, it ensures a high round-trip efficiency, making industrial and power plants more adaptable to grid demands. This project represents a significant technological shift by integrating Thermally Integrated Pumped Thermal Energy Storage with supercritical CO2 cycles. This revolutionary approach promises to deliver affordable, large-scale, and long-duration storage solutions, which are essential for seamlessly integrating bulky renewable energy sources into the EU’s energy systems. Moreover, it has the potential to transform traditional power plants into flexible, renewable energy-based facilities.

The SCO2OP-TES project has received funding from the European Union through the Horizon Europe framework under Grant Agreement No. 10113600. While the project seeks to address critical energy challenges, it’s essential to note that the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for the project’s specific views and opinions.

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.

SOURCE: Alfa Laval Corporate AB