Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST

Birmingham Thermochemical Storage Cuts Building Energy Waste

Coverage from Thermochemical Storage Tech Targets Building Emissions - Environment+Energy Leader, FM Industry, and others

Articles

4

Latest Article

01/15

Active Days

169

Executive Summary

University of Birmingham researchers unveiled a compact thermochemical system that stores surplus renewable power for on demand heating or cooling in commercial buildings

  • Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a compact thermochemical storage system for commercial buildings
  • The system stores surplus renewable electricity through reversible chemical reactions and releases heat or cooling on demand
  • A 5 kW laboratory prototype responded to smart tariffs and grid signals in testing
  • Thermochemical storage keeps energy without gradual heat loss and offers higher energy density than conventional thermal systems
  • The design targets buildings where heat pumps are impractical and where heating and cooling demand is variable
  • Preliminary analysis suggests lower upfront and operating costs than some existing low carbon storage options
  • The team is working with a UK company and seeking pilots in HVAC, manufacturing, engineering, and property management

Quick Facts

  • What: Compact thermochemical storage for on demand building heating and cooling
  • Where: Birmingham with UK pilot plans in commercial sectors
  • Why: To use surplus renewable power and cut building energy costs
  • Who: University of Birmingham researchers led by Professor Yongliang Li
  • When: Demonstrated in 2026 after lab testing

Coverage Timeline: 169 Days

1Jul 31 '251Aug 71Jan 14 '261Jan 15 '26

Featured Article

University of Birmingham 01-01-1900
University of Birmingham researchers unveiled a 5 kW thermochemical storage demonstrator in 2026 to decarbonise commercial buildings in the United Kingdom.

Additional Articles

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Thermochemical Storage Tech Targets Building Emissions - Environment+Energy Leader / Kaleigh Harrison 01-15-2026
University of Birmingham researchers test a 5 kW thermochemical energy storage prototype in the United Kingdom to convert surplus renewable electricity into on demand heating and cooling for commercial buildings.

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FM Industry / Staff Reporter 01-14-2026
University of Birmingham researchers unveiled a 5 kW thermochemical energy storage demonstrator in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in January 2026.

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Forbes / Erik Kobayashi-Solomon 08-07-2025
Industrial firms and startups including Rondo, Kraftblock, Sunamp and MGA Thermal are deploying thermal energy storage across Europe and Australia in 2024-2025 to replace natural gas boilers and cut industrial heat emissions.