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There is a substantial need to accelerate the advancement and implementation of advanced clean energy technologies to solve challenges of the energy crisis, climate change, and sustainable processes. Solar heating and cooling technologies are feasible solutions among clean energy technologies. This paper presents a detailed literature review on studies performed around the solar district energy systems with integrated thermal storage. They are mainly either for heating or cooling. The combined district heating and cooling system with both systems integrated with borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) has not been fully explored. A low-temperature distribution fluid, suitable for use in distributed heat pumps around the community with BTES, has also not been practically installed yet. Such system, could reduce the transmission/distribution heat loss within the community, and lower the required amount of energy production and storage, compared to the other systems. This could make the entire system techno-economically more attractive while not compromising energy efficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change due to greenhouse gases emission from fossil fuels has prompted several governments to channel resources in the commercial utilisation of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that is highly untapped and underutilized. Australia has the highest average solar radiation per square metre of any continent in the world. This paper will focus on the need to improve solar energy utilisation in Australia, challenges facing it and the future benefits. This study shows successfully storing and transferring solar energy will ensure that this energy source will make a significant contribution to Australia''s electricity grid supply in the future and Australia will be well positioned to assist in meeting its growing clean energy demand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]