January 2026 marks a significant milestone for the GeoS-TECHIS project, as the consortium reflects on the progress achieved during 2025 and sets the direction for the year ahead. The past year represented the first full implementation phase of the project, during which GeoS-TECHIS moved decisively from planning to execution. This blog highlights the most important technical, environmental, and organizational achievements of 2025, while outlining priorities for 2026 in the journey toward industrial decarbonization.
A Strong Foundation: Project Scope and Vision
GeoS-TECHIS brings together ten partners and one affiliated entity, including Enginsoft Italy (ES), Instituto Tecnológico de Galicia (ITG), Sintef (STF), Leitat (LT) University of Ljubljana (UL), Fraunhofer IAO (FH), Aitown (AIT), KAUMAN (KAU), Clausius (CEO2GREEN), Fortrino (FOR) and the University of Stuttgart.
This multidisciplinary consortium is united by a shared objective: to demonstrate how geothermal energy, advanced thermal systems, and digital tools can significantly decarbonize industrial thermal processes.
Central to this vision is the integration of geothermal heat with high-temperature heat pumps, thermal energy storage, and digital optimization platforms, validated under real industrial conditions at the KAUMAN pilot site.
Throughout 2025, Work Package 1 (WP1 – Consortium and Project Management), led by ENGINSOFT with scientific coordination by ITG, ensured robust governance, technical oversight, and financial monitoring. Regular General Assembly and Steering Committee meetings, risk management updates, and the successful coordination of a budget redistribution guaranteed that the project remained aligned with its objectives while addressing emerging technical challenges.
Technical Progress Across the Work Packages
A major technical achievement in 2025 was delivered under Work Package 2 (WP2 – Integrate Heat & Cool), led by SINTEF with key contributions from ENGINSOFT, ITG, and CLAUSIUS. This work package advanced the design of an innovative integrated heating and cooling system based on natural refrigerants. Through extensive numerical analyses and system evaluations, the consortium identified a multi-stage, oil-free reciprocating steam compressor as the optimal solution for achieving industrial heat up to approximately 180°C using medium-temperature geothermal sources. CFD-supported design activities further refined critical components such as ejectors, moving the system from conceptual design toward prototype readiness.
In parallel, Work Package 3 (WP3 – Store), led by the UL in collaboration with LEITAT, made significant progress on thermal energy storage solutions. The partners assessed underground and tank-based TES concepts and identified pressurized tank thermal energy storage as the most suitable option for high-temperature, fast-response industrial applications. Complementary research on advanced heat transfer fluids resulted in several nanofluid formulations exceeding thermal conductivity targets, strengthening the overall performance potential of the GeoS-TECHIS thermal system.
Digitalization and Decarbonization Intelligence
Work Package 4 (WP4 – Decarbonize), led by ITG with strong involvement from KAUMAN, focused on maximizing decarbonization impact through digital tools. During 2025, the partners defined a hybrid digital twin framework that integrates physics-based models with real-time IoT data from the pilot site. This architecture enables continuous monitoring, optimization, and predictive analysis of industrial thermal processes. The work will also support techno-economic assessments and the preparation of scientific publications, reinforcing the project’s contribution to data-driven industrial decarbonization.
From Design to Testing: Preparing the Prototype
The transition toward physical realization began in 2025 under Work Package 5 (WP5 – Test), led by ITG, KAUMAN and CLAUSIUS, and with technical support from SINTEF. Activities focused on refining the prototype design, developing preliminary 3D models, and initiating procurement of critical components, including the custom-developed compressor. Early engagement with suppliers and pilot-site subcontractors helped identify integration requirements and reduce risks ahead of manufacturing and installation.
Environmental, Societal, and Policy Dimensions
Work Package 6 (WP6 – Assess), led by LEITAT with contributions from FRAUNHOFER IAO, AITOWN, ITG, and ENGINSOFT, ensured that environmental and societal impacts remained central to project development. In 2025, partners advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) and social LCA baseline scenarios, initiated modeling activities, and prepared stakeholder engagement tools. In parallel, AI-driven approaches to geothermal resource assessment were explored, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to support renewable energy deployment and industrial decarbonization strategies.
Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation
Visibility and long-term impact were addressed through Work Package 7 (WP7 – Exploit), led by FORTRINO with support from ENGINSOFT, ITG, and SINTEF. Throughout 2025, the consortium expanded its communication activities through the project website, social media channels, and the GeoS-TECHIS blog series. Engagement within the Geo-Cluster initiative strengthened collaboration with sister Horizon Europe projects. On the exploitation side, key exploitable results were identified, and a clear intellectual property framework was established to support future commercialization and uptake.
Looking Ahead to Year 2026
As GeoS-TECHIS enters 2026, the focus shifts toward manufacturing, integration, and validation of the prototype system at the KAUMAN pilot site. WP5 partners will finalize component designs and complete system integration, while WP4 and WP6 will advance digital validation and environmental impact assessments under real operating conditions. Building on the strong progress achieved in 2025, GeoS-TECHIS is well positioned to demonstrate how geothermal energy, advanced thermal systems, and intelligent digital solutions can jointly enable a decarbonized and competitive European industrial sector.
Stay Connected with Geo-Cluster
Explore our collaborative efforts on the Geo-Cluster LinkedIn page. Stay informed with updates, workshops, and insights. Join us in uniting for a geothermal future!
Join the GeoS-TECHIS Movement
GeoS-TECHIS is revolutionizing industrial energy systems through innovation and collaboration. Explore our open-source tools, contribute to our mission, or share your ideas at the GeoS-TECHIS homepage. Tweet us @GeoSTECHIS with your thoughts on sustainable industry! Together, we can build a greener, more resilient industrial future.
Let’s shape a sustainable tomorrow!
The GeoS-TECHIS Team
