On October 17-18, 2024, the GeoS-TECHIS consortium gathered in Padova, Italy, for the project’s official kick-off meeting, hosted by our coordinator, ENGINSOFT. The event marked the start of a collaborative effort to develop innovative approaches for decarbonizing industrial heating and cooling systems, leveraging geothermal energy and advanced technologies.
The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to align on the project’s objectives, clarify roles, and discuss the challenges and strategies required to achieve the desired outcomes. GeoS-TECHIS is part of the EU Horizon program, aiming to contribute to the European Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” climate objectives.
The GeoS-TECHIS Vision
GeoS-TECHIS focuses on transforming industrial energy systems by integrating medium-temperature geothermal sources, natural-refrigerant-based heat pumps, Thermal Energy Storage (TES), and digitalization technologies. The goal is to improve energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 75%, and enable the decarbonization of industrial thermal processes within the temperature range of 0°C to 200°C.
The project addresses several critical challenges, including the high costs of geothermal energy, the complexity of managing diverse energy sources, and fluctuating industrial thermal demands. By employing tools such as the AI-driven Geothermal Exploration Methodology (AIGEM) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms, GeoS-TECHIS seeks to create scalable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Highlights of the Kick-Off Meeting
The two-day meeting in Padova included in-depth discussions on the project’s technical aspects, work package responsibilities, and expected outcomes. Key areas of focus included:
– Project Scope and Objectives: A comprehensive overview of GeoS-TECHIS’s vision and goals, emphasizing its potential to advance industrial energy decarbonization.
– Work Package Presentations: Leaders of each work package outlined their plans and deliverables, ensuring alignment across the consortium.
– Technology Integration: Discussions on how TES, geothermal sources, and digital platforms will work together to achieve optimal energy efficiency.
– Engagement Strategies: Emphasis on effective communication and public engagement to build trust in geothermal energy and address societal concerns.
Interactive sessions encouraged collaboration among partners, fostering a shared understanding of how to address the challenges of fluctuating industrial thermal demands and advance geothermal exploration techniques.
Consortium Partners and Their Roles
GeoS-TECHIS brings together a diverse group of partners, each with expertise in specific fields, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the project:
- ENGINSOFT (Italy): Project coordinator, leading overall management (WP1) and contributing to WP2 and WP4 with expertise in system integration, engineering simulations, and technology optimization.
- SINTEF Energi AS (Norway): Leads WP2 and contributes to WP4 and WP5, focusing on advanced thermal system design, testing, and integration through modeling and experimental facilities.
- Fraunhofer IAO (Germany): Provides expertise in stakeholder engagement, social sciences, and dissemination, contributing to WP6 and WP7.
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia): Contributes to WP3 with expertise in thermal energy storage (TES) system modeling and advanced simulations).
- LEITAT (Spain): Leads WP6, focusing on sustainability assessments, societal impact evaluations, and enhancing TES system components.
- Clausius (Spain): Leads WP5 and provides manufacturing and testing of the innovative GeoS-TECHIS thermal system.
- AITown (Italy): Introduces AI-driven geothermal exploration methodologies in WP4 and WP6, enhancing geothermal resource mapping.
- Kauman (Spain): Hosts the pilot demonstration site for testing and validating GeoS-TECHIS solutions under WP5.
- Fortrino (Luxembourg): Leads WP7, responsible for communication, dissemination, exploitation strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
Supporting Europe’s Energy Transition
GeoS-TECHIS aligns with the EU’s vision for a climate-neutral future by integrating renewable energy sources into industrial systems. The project’s innovative approach combines advanced geothermal technologies with digital tools to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact.
By adhering to the “Do No Significant Harm” principle, GeoS-TECHIS ensures that its developments are environmentally sustainable and address societal concerns. Transparent communication and stakeholder engagement remain central to the project’s strategy, fostering public trust in geothermal energy.
Next Steps
The kick-off meeting set the foundation for the coming months. Key activities include:
– Advancing the design and testing of innovative thermal systems using natural refrigerants.
– Developing the AI-driven Geothermal Exploration Methodology to improve resource mapping.
– Establishing a robust digital platform to optimize energy use and create decarbonization roadmaps.
– Implementing an effective communication and dissemination strategy to engage stakeholders.
Stay Connected
GeoS-TECHIS is committed to providing regular updates on its progress and milestones. As the consortium works toward creating impactful energy solutions, we invite you to follow our journey and learn how this project is contributing to Europe’s energy transition.
This initiative reflects the importance of collaboration and research in addressing the complex challenges of sustainable industrial energy systems. Together, the consortium partners are working toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy future.
Stay informed with updates, insights, and more on our GeoS-TECHIS homepage. Join us in revolutionizing the way industries power their processes!
