British energy storage cooling fan

Can underground thermal energy storage help the UK achieve a net zero carbon economy?

In the UK, there is a significant demand for direct heat use and 73 % of this is supplied by gas , contributing to one third of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. Underground thermal energy storage (UTES) can help to achieve UK government targets of a net zero carbon economy by 2050 and improve energy security.

How important is heat use in the UK?

Heat demand In the UK, heat-use correlates to ∼50 % of the total energy demand and decarbonisation of the sector is integral to contributing to the national net zero carbon emissions targets by 2050 .

What is borehole thermal energy storage (BTES)?

Borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) UTES uses the subsurface for thermal storage with heat transfer to and from the surrounding rocks and fluid in the ground (Fig. 1).

Are thermoelectric coolers a good alternative to compressor-based cooling systems?

Thermoelectric coolers provide an excellent alternative to compressor-based cooling systems, although a lack of experience with such devices may cause hesitation in some end users. Thermoelectric-based systems are compact, robust and completely solid state, with no moving parts, fluids or gasses.

Can BTES systems operate across the UK?

Therefore, it is likely BTES systems can operate across much of the UK. A thermally inhibiting unit with moderate volumetric heat capacity and low permeability in the UK is the Mercia Mudstone Group (MMG).

Are flooded mines a thermal energy storage scheme?

None of these can be said to be thermal energy storage schemes, although there is some potential to use flooded mines for MTES either in deep wide shafts or in cases where mine workings are isolated and/or throughflow rates are low. Important surficial components to STES have also been investigated.