Germany Should Develop Large Hot Water Reservoirs

Abstract

Now that the decision has been made to give up all production of electricity through nuclear reactors by 2022, Germany is in the position to develop all sorts of new energies. I would like to point out that Germany has a unique chance to develop large hot water reservoirs by using the pits left behind after brown coal production or cement production. They can be mainly used for keeping hot water produced year-round as waste heat of industry or especially hot water produced by hybrid solar panels. The water will be used mainly for heating central heated buildings in the winter. As the increase of the need of air conditioning in summer is expected, the same system could be used to cover the need of more electricity in summer. Possible designs of the large hot water reservoir, requirements for the site, and eventual extension to other countries are discussed.