European Regulations and Sustainability: How to Achieve Energy Goals with Thermal Storage Technologies

The European sustainability regulations are having an increasingly significant impact on businesses, requiring more efficient and environmentally friendly energy management. Among these, the EU Regulation 2023/1542 represents a milestone in the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive industry.
The objective of these regulations is clear: reduce CO₂ emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote the use of innovative technologies, such as thermal storage systems and Phase Change Materials (PCM). This article will analyze how companies can adapt to these regulations and achieve their sustainability goals.

1. European regulations and sustainability: an overview

1.1. EU Regulation 2023/1542

The EU Regulation 2023/1542 is one of the most relevant regulations for promoting sustainability and decarbonization in the industrial sector. Some key points include:

• Reduction of emissions: companies are required to decrease the environmental impact of their production processes.
• Energy efficiency: introduction of stricter standards for industrial consumption.
• Promotion of renewable energy: incentives for the integration of solutions such as energy storage systems.

1.2. Why sustainability regulations are crucial

The European sustainability regulations are essential for:

• Mitigating climate change: they promote the transition towards a low-emission industry.
• Increasing competitiveness: companies that comply with sustainability standards can access funding and incentives.
• Enhancing corporate image: sustainable energy management is increasingly valued by customers and investors.

2. Thermal storage technologies with PCM: a solution for sustainability

Thermal storage systems, such as those based on PCM, represent an effective solution to help companies comply with energy and environmental regulations.

2.1. How they work

Phase Change Materials (PCM) can store thermal energy during melting and release it during solidification. Typically, water is the fluid used to transfer heat in and out of the storage system.
Various devices use these materials, all designed to ensure an optimal heat exchange surface. Depending on the PCM characteristics, a system is designed to maximize heat transfer by conduction from the PCM to the water in the circuit. The more efficient the heat exchange system design, the more we can talk about a "battery"—that is, storage systems with energy exchanges fast enough to be controlled similarly to an electric battery.

2.2. The benefits

Installing such devices allows companies to:

1. Reduce energy consumption during peak hours.
2. Optimize heat usage in industrial processes.
3. Maintain stable temperature levels in certain parts of the hydraulic circuit.
4. Use them as "junction points" where energy flows can branch out.
5. Improve the performance of certain machines that operate better with preheated rather than cold water.

To learn more about how these technologies integrate into modern industry, read our article: Industry 5.0: Innovation in Energy Efficiency with Thermal Storage Systems.

3. How companies can adapt to regulations

Adapting to European sustainability regulations requires strategic planning and targeted investments. Here are some key actions:

1. Conduct an energy assessment:
   • Analyze consumption to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
2. Integrate innovative technologies:
   • Adopt thermal storage systems and PCM-based solutions to optimize efficiency.
3. Staff training:
   • Raise employee awareness about the importance of sustainability and provide technical skills for managing new technologies.
4. Continuous monitoring:
   • Implement monitoring systems to ensure compliance with regulations and optimize processes over time.

4. Thermal storage systems and the future of sustainability

Thermal storage systems are a crucial technology for the future of industrial sustainability. Thanks to their versatility, they can be used in a wide range of applications, such as:

• Food industry: heat recovery in cooking and pasteurization processes.
• Chemical sector: heat management in chemical reactions.
• Manufacturing: optimizing energy consumption in production cycles.
• Gas distribution plants: in certain points of distribution networks, methane needs to be heated to prevent freezing issues.
• Water treatment plants: these plants use heat to prevent algae growth, scaling, and corrosion problems.
• Building climate control and hot water production for sanitary services: with the right configuration, renewable energy can be optimized, avoiding the need for boilers.
• Energy production plants: incorporating batteries of specific sizes and locations can bring benefits in terms of overall plant efficiency.

European sustainability regulations are guiding the industrial sector towards a greener and more efficient future. Adopting innovative technologies like thermal batteries enables companies to achieve their energy goals, comply with regulatory standards, and improve competitiveness.
Investing in sustainable solutions is not just an obligation but a great opportunity for companies to stand out in the market and contribute to the ecological transition.
Want to learn how thermal storage systems can transform your business? Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how to make your processes more efficient and eco-friendly.