Next generation technologies for energy storage

Specific challenge:There is a need to develop new or improved storage technologies with higher performance, availability, durability, performance, safety and lower costs. These new and enhanced storage technologies have to contribute to the cost-efficient integration of distributed and variable renewable energy sources.

In addition, life cycle assessment and economic modelling for use of energy storage technologies needs to be refined. Generally, energy storage has to progress in the innovation chain so that the barriers associated with new storage concepts are reduced. This would include adaptation of new materials and developments for improved safety.

Scope: Activities should focus on developing the next generation of storage technologies by bringing them from TRL 2 or above towards TRL 5 (please see part G of the General Annexes). They cover storage technologies of all sizes relevant to energy applications and all types of locations.

The activities need to take into account grid interfaces and, when appropriate, use synergies between technologies. Research should also address environmental, economic and public acceptance issues or develop recommendations for future energy policy. 

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 6 to 9 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact: The proposals are expected to cover the general impacts listed below that are relevant for the proposed R&D:

• Enlarging the portfolio of effective storage technologies with potential for European wide usage.
• Lowering the cost, increasing the efficiency and durability, lower the environmental impact and reducing location constraints on energy storage systems.
• Contributing to solutions for high penetration rates of distributed energy resources and intermittent renewable energy.
• Integrate storage into the management of the distribution grids to provide increased grid security and stability, e.g. through appropriate integration with ICT tools for the control and management of electricity networks.
• Defer investments of grid reinforcement and lower the societal costs associated with high penetration of variable renewable energy sources.
• The impacts are expected to be linked to either large scale energy balancing or improved grid congestion management or self-consumption at local level.

Type of action: Research & Innovation Actions