Result description
CEEGS KER directly contributes to grid stability and the deployment of non-dispatchable renewables through thermal energy storage and closed-loop CO₂-based flexible trigeneration: electricity, heating, and cooling. It is an innovative energy storage solution with rapid response capabilities, aligned with the energy transition goals and the need for flexible power systems in the EU in the future. The achieved round-trip efficiency ranges from 60% to 73%, as confirmed by modelling and dynamic optimisation tests. The system enables triple-generation, producing electricity, heat, and cooling through integrated cycle configurations. Such a system has also been proven to be fully compatible with solar (PV), wind, and geothermal energy generation. The CEEGS system has been shown to operate autonomously in a closed transcritical CO₂ cycle with zero emissions. Compared to other storage solutions, the CEEGS solution offers cost advantages and high modularity (from 100 kW to multi-MW systems). Detailed design and testing of heat exchangers, turbomachinery, control systems, and sensible high-temperature TES support the optimisation of individual components.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Grants and Subsidies
- Use of research Infrastructure
- Collaboration
Funding, financing or cooperation for the further development of the technology to TRL 5-6.
- Public or private funding institutions
- International Organisations (ex. OECD, FAO, UN, etc.)
- Research and Technology Organisations
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
CEEGS developed a scalable system utilising CO₂ for power, heat, and cooling, and partial CO₂ sequestration, turning surplus renewables into storable thermal energy for on-demand use. A 20 kWel demo raised the tech from TRL2 to TRL4 with EU validation, offering low cost, long duration, and rare-earth independence. Next: demo plant and business plan to reach TRL6.
• Applications from few kWh to several MWh storage,
• Flexible storage duration from hours to weeks,
• Modular construction possible
• Adaptable power ratings
• Standardisation potential
·Modular system design,
·Easy to scale up or down based on local energy demand and storage needs,
·Connection of renewable power plants, industrial CO₂ sources, including cleaning, as a source of the CO2 and possible user of the stored energy, or district heating/cooling networks without major redesign,
·store excess electricity from any source, improving grid stability in various energy mixes,
·CO₂ injection and production, geothermal heat extraction, and underground storage already have industrial analogues in oil & gas, CCS (Carbon Capture & Storage), and geothermal power.
·Standardised designs for specific storage volumes, reservoir types, and power ratings can be developed, enabling faster rollouts.
• Storage technology without the use of rare earths,
• No ignition or flammability, as CO2 is an inert gas
• No toxic media used
• CO₂ sequestration – decarbonisation of hard -to-abate industry, and possibly negative emissions for sources relying on biomass for power generation, such as pulp&paper sector or waste-to-energy sector
• Excess green electricity, no backup from fossil fuel
• new value chains in renewable energy, energy storage, and CO₂ management
