IEA ECES ANNEX 36 – Carnot Batteries

This technology is particularly impressive due to the cheap storage medium, compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, and the possible scalability up to the GWh range. The storage medium used is inexpensive, harmless and abundant material such as rock, sand or air. In times of increasing electrification, Carnot batteries can thus make a significant contribution to optimally integrating volatile energy sources such as wind and photovoltaics into existing grid infrastructures. The high storage capacities and the cost-effective storage medium make them stand out from conventional electrochemical electricity storage systems.

AEE INTEC represents Austria’s interests in Annex 36 and places national research priorities internationally. At the same time, Austrian stakeholders are provided with up-to-date information on the current state of the art and the international research landscape. Furthermore, the network of relevant actors in the field of Carnot batteries is established and expanded. AEE INTEC brings many years of experience in the development of thermal energy storage to the project and acts as an expert in this field, which is essential for Carnot batteries.

The aim of the IEA ECES Annex 36 – Carnot Batteries is to make international research efforts visible, to bundle them and thus to accelerate the development and implementation of Carnot batteries in the market. Austria’s participation guarantees a significant strengthening of the industrial location through continuous knowledge transfer and close exchange with the Annex 36 consortium.