The potential of BTES: Borehole Thermal Energy Storage System, developed at TU Darmstadt
Professor Igno Sass, a hydrogeologist and process engineer at the Technical University of Darmstadt, explains about the groundbreaking BTES-project to develop a deep, high-temperature heat storage system in Darmstad, as part of the larger European Push-it project.
Professor Igno Sass, a hydrogeologist and process engineer at the Technical University of Darmstadt, explains about the groundbreaking BTES-project to develop a deep, high-temperature heat storage system in Darmstad, as part of the larger European Push-it project. This innovative geothermal energy storage solution aims to store heat at approximately 80°C using conductive heat transfer through vertical boreholes. The system, currently in its experimental phase, consists of three 750-meter deep boreholes, with plans to expand to 37 boreholes to supply heat to the city of Darmstadt.
The project, funded by the European Commission under the PUSHIT framework, focuses on developing the technology and engineering design criteria through extensive numerical work and practical observations. By integrating solar-thermal energy, this system could store summer heat for winter use as well, providing a sustainable and cost-effective heating solution with zero carbon dioxide emissions.
Professor Sass emphasizes the importance of funding such projects to make them economically viable and contribute to affordable living and climate change mitigation.
PUSH-IT is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101096566.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
