Project period:
1.12.2025–31.5.2029
Project funding:
European Commission Research Fund for Coal and Steel
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Retrofitting existing fossil‑fired fluidized bed power plants with high‑temperature thermal energy storage (TES) offers a promising pathway for flexible, CO₂‑free production of electricity and heat. The HIGHWAY project investigates how thermal energy storage can be integrated into existing fluidized bed power plants using a pilot‑scale testing unit.
In the pilot system, charging and discharging cycles are operated using thermal energy storage heated by renewable electricity via an electric air heater. During charging, hot air passes through a bed of solid particles, where heat is efficiently stored. During discharge, cold air flows through the heated particle bed, recovering the stored heat. This heated air is then used in a water–steam cycle to generate superheated steam.
Alongside experimental work, the project develops advanced numerical models, including steady‑state, dynamic, and CFD models. These models are validated against experimental data and used to support system design and scale‑up. Finally, the concept is assessed in terms of electrical efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental and social impacts, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the retrofit solution.
Goals
The following goals have been set for the project:
- Retrofit existing fluidized bed power plant components to integrate a high‑temperature thermal energy storage (TES) system.
- Maximise round‑trip efficiency and operational flexibility of retrofitted plants.
- Develop and validate technical solutions for heat supply, air circulation, and optimal storage design.
- Establish the operating window and cyclic performance of the integrated system through laboratory‑ and pilot‑scale testing.
- Develop advanced modelling tools to predict scale‑up behaviour, dynamic performance, and gas–solid fluid dynamics.
- Assess the market potential, as well as the economic and environmental impacts, of the retrofit concept.
- Evaluate the overall efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of the retrofitted power plant.
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Project manager
Project staff
Principal Investigator
Partners
News & events
Project kick-off assembly meeting
10.12.2025
The HIGHWAY project kick‑off meeting officially marked the start of the collaboration, bringing together all consortium partners to align on objectives, roles, and next steps. The meeting began with a general project overview, followed by short partner presentations outlining each organisation’s expertise and contribution to the project. Administrative and contractual aspects were addressed to ensure a common understanding of procedures and reporting requirements, complemented by remarks from the EU Project Officer.
The technical programme included detailed introductions to the project work packages and their respective timelines. These sessions provided an overview of planned activities, key objectives, and expected outcomes.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion on upcoming milestones and immediate actions, setting a clear direction for the next project phase and establishing a solid foundation for effective collaboration throughout the project.
