Landowner FAQs: Thermal Energy Storage
Picture this: Your phone rings, and it’s a number that you don’t recognize. You decide to answer. To your surprise, the call reveals some shocking news. A company wants to lease your ground for “thermal energy storage,” which sounds interesting—but also a little confusing. The land agent asks if he can stop by for an in-person conversation next week. You reluctantly agree. Now what?
Here are some quick answers to questions that you might be thinking.
Thermal Energy Storage FAQs
What is thermal energy storage?
Energy can be stored in a variety of ways, including via thermal storage techniques. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s solar energy and storage guide, thermal storage includes a “family of technologies in which a fluid, such as water or molten salt, or other material is used to store heat.” Thermal energy storage is considered an emerging technology by the U.S. Department of Energy.
What are thermal energy storage systems?
Thermal systems store energy that can be later transferred as heat to generate electricity or for direct heating and cooling. The DOE’s “Technology Strategy Assessment” from July 2023 identifies three main types of thermal storage: sensible (increasing the temperature of rock, molten liquid salt, etc.), latent (heating and/or cooling a phase change material like metal alloy), or thermochemical (storing energy in “reaction heat”).
How are thermal energy storage systems (TESS) different from battery energy storage systems (BESS)?
Both TESS and BESS store excess energy for later use. However, one of the biggest differences is that thermal systems do not depend on chemical reactions in batteries. Rather, energy is stored in fluids, rocks, or particles and transferred as heat.
Why do we need thermal energy storage systems?
Demand for energy in the United States continues to increase, which speaks to the importance of avoiding energy waste. Just as petroleum-based products are stored in tanks and reserves, so too must renewable energy be efficiently stored for later use. Thermal storage systems can play an important role in stabilizing energy supply and demand.
“TES systems can improve energy reliability in our nation’s building stock, lower utility bills for American consumers and businesses, and protect people during extreme heat and cold events and improve their living environment.”
—From “Thermal Energy Storage,” published by the U.S. Department of Energy
How will thermal energy affect my community?
As with any energy-related project, there’s always the potential that some people will be opposed to thermal energy storage. However, thermal energy systems rely primarily on naturally occurring materials like water, salt, and rocks, which should mean less pushback compared to other storage techniques.
Should I lease my ground for thermal energy?
Deciding whether or not to lease your ground for thermal energy should involve careful analysis of multiple factors, not just financial. Desired land use, family succession planning, and other matters should be considered.
Is my property ideal for thermal energy?
Land that is close to existing substations, solar parks, and/or wind farms may be an ideal location for thermal energy storage. Topography, land condition, and local economic factors also impact developers’ decision-making.
More Questions? Contact Trigen
Contact us for answers to your questions about thermal energy storage. Project developers looking for on-the-ground support for thermal energy can also contact us.