ABOUT

To create a fully green energy system in Europe, we need to be able to handle energy flexibly, especially with sources like wind and solar that aren't always available.

The TREASURE project is working on making big underground heat storages, which are crucial for using renewable energy for heating neighbourhoods and industries.

We are building 7 demonstration projects in 5 countries to figure out the best ways to do this. By working together, we are making the components better and finding smarter ways to build these storages.

We use past project data and collaborate with partners across industries to optimize energy storage solutions. Sharing insights with experts and decision-makers, we aim to speed up the creation of over 2000 carbon-free energy storages for our sustainable energy system.

CURRENT SITUATION

Traditionally, district heating systems relied on fossil fuels, which could easily match supply with demand. However, with the EU's ambitious goal to phase out fossil fuels by 2050, we must swiftly integrate renewable and waste heat sources. These sources, while abundant, often pose a challenge due to their intermittent availability and mismatch with peak demand periods.

To bridge this gap, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) emerges as a pivotal solution. TES allows us to store excess heat during periods of abundance and release it when demand peaks. One promising TES system we are focusing on is Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES), which offers flexibility and efficiency in heat storage. Denmark has led the way in PTES technology, demonstrating its effectiveness in various applications. However, expanding PTES systems across Europe requires addressing technical, economic, and environmental considerations unique to different regions.

6 ambitions of our project

The TREASURE project strives to establish a new benchmark for PTES (Pumped Thermal Energy Storage) systems, making them more financially viable, quicker to realize, cost-effective, energy-efficient, experience-driven, and supported by a robust expert network for broader implementation across Europe.

  • By employing advanced monitoring techniques and well-coupled realization phases through the Storage Building Information Model (S-BIM), TREASURE aims to minimize the financial risks associated with PTES.

  • Through the implementation of S-BIM and improved components and building processes, TREASURE seeks to significantly reduce the time it takes to realize PTES projects.

  • By enhancing expertise across the entire value chain, utilizing better design and optimization tools, and improving components, TREASURE aims to lower the overall cost of PTES systems.

  • TREASURE intends to achieve better energy efficiency through enhanced tools and optimized PTES design.

  • Through the deployment of TREASURE demonstrators, the project aims to develop PTES solutions based on practical experience gained from real-world applications.

  • By involving a large group of demonstrators and satellite initiatives, along with dissemination and training efforts, TREASURE seeks to bolster the pool of experts in PTES technology across Europe, facilitating the widespread adoption of PTES solutions.

OUR GOALS

  • Develop PTES Solutions for Europe

    • Build 7 large PTES systems in 5 countries, varying in size and design.

    • Improve PTES technology to make it cheaper and more efficient.

    • Streamline the process of building and operating the PTES systems.

    • Study public acceptance of PTES and find ways to get people on board.

  • Integrate Smart PTES Systems

    • Set up monitoring for PTES systems and collect data for future models.

    • Develop better simulation models to plan and run PTES systems effectively.

    • Use automated tools to detect and fix problems in PTES systems for reliable heat supply.

  • Accelerate PTES Adoption

    • Connect with 16 other projects to share knowledge and resources.

    • Make a roadmap for PTES development and create business plans to make it happen.

    • Spread the word about PTES to different groups and make sure they understand its benefits.