Imagine using the ground like a giant battery that stores heat from the summer to use during the winter. Instead of letting industrial waste heat or solar energy go to waste, this system pumps it deep underground into aquifers or boreholes. When the weather gets cold, the system pulls that stored warmth back up to heat entire neighborhoods.
District heating currently relies heavily on fossil fuels because there is a massive mismatch between when renewable heat is produced (summer) and when it is needed (winter). Existing storage solutions are often too small, too expensive, or inefficient for city-wide use.
Two large-scale underground thermal energy storage units (ATES and BTES) and an AI-based predictive energy management software suite.
If you are a utility provider dealing with high fossil fuel reliance for winter heating — this project developed large-scale underground thermal energy storage that integrates renewable sources to ensure a reliable, decarbonized heat supply.
If you are a factory owner dealing with excessive industrial waste heat that is currently vented — this project developed a system that captures this heat and stores it underground for later use or sale to the grid.
If you are a drilling company dealing with slow project timelines and high costs — this project developed remotely controlled drilling equipment that halves drilling times for aquifer storage.
The project focuses on ensuring limited CAPEX through the use of cost-effective storage units and advanced drilling equipment that halves drilling times. Based on available project data, these efficiencies are intended to reduce the overall financial burden of deployment.
Yes, the project is demonstrating these solutions at TRL8 within commercial large-scale district heating networks. It specifically targets large-scale seasonal storage to handle the mismatch between energy supply and demand.
Based on available project data, the project has developed six key enabling technologies, including AI-based energy management software and innovative high-temperature piping materials, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
The system is designed as fully integrated units within commercial district heating networks, utilizing groundwater heat pumps and AI-driven predictive software to optimize operation.
The project runs from December 2023 to November 2027, featuring a one-year test campaign to validate the storage units.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 17 industrial partners (63% ratio), including 8 SMEs, indicating a strong push toward commercialization. With 27 partners across 8 countries, the project leverages a broad European market reach, combining the academic rigor of 3 universities and 5 research centers with practical industrial application.
Contact KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLAN in Sweden
Contact us to connect with the USES4HEAT consortium for TRL8 technology licensing.
