Cutting Edge Innovations in the Joint Effect of Thermal Energy Storing and Digitalization

District heating systems and existing buildings are huge free assets to store thermal energy and enable greater flexibility of the entire energy system. The combination of thermal storage and digital tools creates a powerful synergy – machine learning and IoT technologies enable intelligent data collection and advanced control capabilities that maximize the flexibility potential of thermal storage.

Under the Clean Energy Transition Partnership program, the project "Thermal energy storing and digitalization in district heating to enable transition to renewable and resource efficient energy systems" (TRAINING) was funded from 2023–2026. Partners from Sweden, Germany, and Norway developed solutions that link thermal storage with smart digital controls, enabling resource-efficient and sustainable distribution, utilization, and storage of heating and cooling. By coupling the heating sector with other sectors through digitalization, the project increases flexibility and climate-neutrality.

This event showcases how digital tools unlock the full potential of thermal storage – presenting the latest results and innovations on cutting-edge technologies for cost-effective utilization of thermal storage in energy districts. Real achieved results on short- and long-term thermal storage in Scandinavia and Germany demonstrate this powerful combination in practice. The event creates a forum for business, academia, research, and politics to exchange ideas on the digital energy transition.

Presenters bring expertise in the interconnection of thermal energy storage and digital solutions – including district heating, energy systems, and advanced control technologies. All presentations include Q&A for live discussion.

AGENDA

13:00 Welcome and opening of the meeting

Natasa Nord, NTNU, Norway

13:05 Importance of thermal storing and energy flexibility

Lennart Wernicke, Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena), Germany

13:20 Relevance of CETPartnership projects for energy flexibility and thermal storing

Gerdi Breembroek, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, Netherlands

13:40 The latest research and practical novelties within joint effects of thermal energy storing and digitalization

Natasa Nord, NTNU, Norway

14:00 Overview of digital thermal storing innovations

Dietrich Schmidt, Fraunhofer IEE, Germany

14:50 Key results from the pilot projects

David Nestle, SmartrPlace GmbH, Germany

Puneet Kumar Saini, Dalarna University, Sweden

Ali Pour Ahmadiyan, NTNU, Norway

15:50 Real business concept from Germany

Siwanand Misara, Smartrplace GmbH, Germany

16:20 Open panel discussion: possibilities and barriers for implementation of thermal storing and flexibility

17:20  Wrap up & Closing

Natasa Nord, NTNU, Norway