Energy management and CO2 mitigation using phase change materials (PCM) for thermal energy storage (TES) in cold storage and transport

•Energy savings and CO2 mitigation by incorporating TES to cold systems are presented.•Results depend on the scenarios studied and the extent of TES systems implementation.•The highest yearly potential reduction is observed in domestic and industry sector.•Yearly CO2 emissions in Europe may be cut down between 5% and 22%.•Yearly CO2 emissions in Spain may be cut down between 5% and 23%.

Low temperature sensitive products transport and storage is an issue worldwide due to changes of the lifestyle population increase. Thermal energy storage (TES) is nowadays one of the most feasible solutions in facing the challenge of achieving energy savings. Many researchers have investigated energy efficiency of different cold units by applying TES systems using phase change materials (PCM). This paper provides an overview of the existing Spanish and European potential energy savings and CO2 mitigation by incorporating TES systems to cold storage and transportation systems. Data on energy savings were compiled from different case studies. Results depend on the scenarios studied and the extent of TES systems implementation; in the case of Europe for instance, yearly CO2 emissions may be cut down between 5% and 22% in reference to 2008 CO2 emissions from cold production considering that the proposed implementation of PCM TES in the case studies found in the literature is done.