Project description
Pumped thermal energy storage viability for grid integration
The transition to a net-zero energy system requires flexible storage solutions to balance renewable energy. Pumped thermal energy storage (PTES), or Carnot batteries, is a promising, scalable option but has varying efficiencies. This raises uncertainties about its deployment potential. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DRIVE-PTES project aims to develop a new framework to evaluate the viability of PTES in high-renewable-energy grids. The project will develop transient models of various PTES configurations and test them in European energy scenarios, including solar and wind systems. By conducting techno-economic optimisation alongside thermodynamic modelling, it will assess cost-effectiveness and identify trade-offs between efficiency, flexibility, and capacity. Findings will inform efforts aligned with he European Green Deal.
Objective
The transition to a net-zero energy system strongly depends on large-scale, flexible storage solutions to balance renewable variability and maintain grid stability. Existing options like pumped hydro and batteries face geographical, safety, cost, and sustainability constraints. Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES), also known as Carnot batteries, is a promising alternative thanks to its scalability, long lifetime, and reliance on mature components. However, the literature reports many different PTES configurations with widely varying efficiencies, creating uncertainty about their real potential for deployment. The DRIVE-PTES project will develop the first systematic framework to evaluate PTES viability in high-renewable grids. Transient models of different PTES layouts will be built under common assumptions and tested in representative European grid scenarios—solar, wind, and mixed systems. Alongside thermodynamic and dynamic modelling, techno-economic optimisation will be conducted to assess cost-effectiveness and identify trade-offs between efficiency, flexibility, and capacity. The approach is strongly interdisciplinary, integrating thermodynamics, control and electrical engineering, and economics, and benefits from intersectoral links between academia and industry. The project will benchmark PTES integration to the grid, clarify achievable round-trip efficiencies and responsivity, and identify the most promising configurations. Results will reduce uncertainty, guide demonstration projects, and inform stakeholders and policymakers, contributing directly to the European Green Deal and SDG7. The fellowship at UPM under Prof. Rubén Abbas, with secondment at Polimi under Prof. Giampaolo Manzolini, will build on strong expertise in thermal energy systems modelling and techno-economic assessment. It will equip me with advanced skills and networks to become an independent researcher, lead interdisciplinary projects, and contribute to Europe’s clean energy transition.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28040 Madrid
Spain
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