Demonstration of thermal energy storage solutions for solar thermal plants and systems

Support will be given to the demonstration of innovative thermal energy storage solutions in the following areas: (i) concentrated solar power (CSP) and/or (ii) solar thermal heat and/or cold.

The proposed solutions will have to achieve substantial improvements in terms of performance, cost-effectiveness and life span compared to the current state of the art.

The project must include a clear go/no-go milestone ahead of entering the demonstration phase. Before this go/no-go milestone, the project must deliver the detailed engineering plans, a techno-economic assessment, and all needed permits for the demonstrator. The project proposal is expected to present a clear and convincing pathway and timeline to obtaining the permits.

The project has to assess the sustainability of the proposed solutions in environmental and socio-economic terms. Furthermore, the Commission initiative for Safe and Sustainable by Design[[ https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/industrial-research-and-innovation/key-enabling-technologies/chemicals-and-advanced-materials_en]] (SSbD) sets a framework for assessing the safety and sustainability of chemicals and materials which should be considered as a reference for project proposals.

Plans for the exploitation and dissemination of results for proposals submitted under this topic are expected to include a strong business case and sound exploitation strategy. The exploitation plans are expected to include preliminary plans for scalability, commercialisation, and deployment (feasibility study, business plan) indicating the possible funding sources to be potentially used (in particular the Innovation Fund).