We caught up with founding director, Tom Lowe, to dig a little deeper on Thermal Storage as the new kid on the block.
Tom is originally from Belfast and has worked at Bulb, Ofgem and British Gas and other companies in the energy sector since 2010. The three founding members of Thermal Storage UK are Caldera, Sunamp and Tepeo. All three are British companies developing innovative products to electrify space heating and hot water.
Pay less for heating and hot water
By shifting when people consume electricity for space heating and hot water, thermal storage can reduce carbon emissions and increase the electricity grid’s flexibility. This flexibility could mean people pay less overall for their heating and hot water.
REI: Tell us about Thermal Storage?
TL: “Thermal Storage UK is the new trade association for modern thermal storage. We promote the use of thermal storage in buildings in the United Kingdom and other countries to achieve net zero.”
REI: Why do you feel there is a need for a new trade organisation?
TL: “Energy policy thinks about electricity flexibility to maximise renewables and the role of electrification in decarbonising heat. Thermal Storage UK aims to highlight the important role of thermal storage in both.”
REI: Who do you anticipate will be in your member community?
TL: “Our founding members are Caldera, Sunamp and Tepeo, three British companies developing innovative products to electrify space heating and hot water. We are open to membership applications from those who support thermal storage to achieve net zero.”
REI: What do you see as your role in the thermal storage sector?
TL: “Thermal Storage UK promotes modern thermal storage as part of the solution to decarbonising heating. We engage openly with stakeholders, including governments, regulators, other trade associations and consumer groups. We provide evidence and highlight the important role of thermal storage.”
REI: What challenges do you perceive to the broad uptake of thermal storage?
TL: “Thermal storage allows people to shift their heating demand from peak to off-peak times. This reduces demand for space heating and hot water when gas power plants are running and maximises the use of renewable generation instead. If the regulatory framework values that flexibility properly, this could mean people pay less overall for their heating and hot water.”
Tom Lowe added: “The UK needs to speed up the removal of carbon from the heating of buildings. Thermal storage can support renewables, lower carbon emissions and reduce bills. Great British companies are leading the world on thermal storage. Now is the time to electrify heating and reduce fossil fuel imports.”
Thermal storage has a major role to play in zero carbon
James Macnaghten, CEO of Caldera, said: “We are excited about the launch of Thermal Storage UK. Thermal storage has a major role to play in taking the carbon out of heating buildings, not least for those using expensive heating oil and LPG.”
Andrew Bissell, CEO of Sunamp, said: “As CEO of one of the world’s leading thermal battery companies, with over 20,000 made, shipped and installed, I welcome today’s launch of Thermal Storage UK. This will strengthen the UK’s already leading role in this fast growing global market, in which we are aiming to sell more than 1 million units per year later this decade.
“We expect the UK government to respond by working with us towards a strong policy framework for the technology helping set global standards. Thermal storage for hot water, space heating and cooling is a key element for decarbonising buildings in the UK and around the globe.”
Johan du Plessis, CEO of Tepeo, said: “It’s great to see Thermal Storage UK go from concept to launch so quickly. Easily-installed, affordable thermal storage coupled with smart time of use tariffs will be an essential part of decarbonising heat and provide enormous flexibility to enable the energy system of the future.”