European industry is a very large user of heat: around 1,900 TWh each year for a range of low- to high-temperature processes. Electrification of this process heat has emerged as a key pathway for decarbonisation, resilience and modernisation of industry. Currently only 3% of industrial heat is generated with electricity, yet 60% can be achieved with available technology.

Several barriers hinder the broad uptake of electrification solutions for process heat, especially the high cost of electricity compared to fossil fuels and insufficient electricity infrastructure.

An emerging technology called ‘electro-thermal energy storage’ could make a significant contribution to achieving the huge potential for industrial electrification. Combining electrified heat generation with storage allows for flexible use of electricity while delivering a continuous supply of heat. This flexibility allows it to potentially mitigate cost and infrastructure barriers while, at the same time, providing valuable system services.

Promoting the uptake of electro-thermal energy storage requires a mix of policies that:

• Prioritise electrification of industrial heat.
• Reduce the price of electricity compared to fossil fuels.
• Incentivise flexible use of electricity.
• Connect flexible loads to the grid.

Photo: Sem Oxenaar