The EU aims for a rapid decarbonization of the energy sector through the Fit for 55 package, the REPowerEU plan, and the Green Deal. Large scale sTES (e.g. basins, caverns) can support these efforts by improving the use of fluctuating heat sources. INTERSTORES addresses these challenges and accelerates decarbonization through the application of advanced sTES technologies.
The overall objective of INTERSTORES is to demonstrate and implement two innovative sTES solutions (reuse of existing basins and underground caverns) and to validate their use as multipurpose sTES at demonstration sites. INTERSTORES aims to improve sustainability by using costefficient, recycled insulation materials, increasing the share of renewable energy, and replacing conventional shotcrete. The main impact lies in reducing investment costs, energy demand, CO2 emissions, and environmental and soil impacts.
Factsheet#
| Short name | INTERSTORES |
| Title | International Innovation Network for the Development of Cost- and Environmentally Efficient Seasonal Thermal Energy Storages |
| Duration | 01.01.2024 – 31.12.2027 |
| Partners | 14 (show all) |
| Project type | Co-funded research project |
| Consortium lead | Peter Bayer (MLU) |
| Project lead AIT | Abdulrahman Dahash & Viktoria Illyés |
Overview#
The INTERSTORES consortium aims to overcome high capital costs by reusing infrastructure originally built for other purposes and converting it into renovated, cost-efficient underground sTES systems (Reno-sTES, DE). This approach increases efficiency while promoting circular economy principles, reducing environmental impact, and minimizing land use.
Another approach focuses on reducing capital costs for new sTES developments by utilizing natural environments such as caverns in dense rock formations. INTERSTORES will integrate the world’s largest thermal energy storage system in rock caverns (Giga-CTES, FI).
Findings#
Innovative use of existing infrastructure#
Reusing existing infrastructure for underground sTES systems significantly reduces investment costs and supports a sustainable system transformation.
Cost efficiency and resource conservation#
The use of cost-efficient and recycled insulation materials contributes significantly to reducing energy demand and overall costs.
Contribution to emission reduction#
The implemented solutions lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions as well as environmental and soil impacts.
Promotion of the circular economy#
By integrating circular economy principles, environmental impacts are reduced and existing resources are used more efficiently.
Activities#
WP1: Project management
Lead: MLU
This work package includes coordination of all project partners as well as administrative and financial project management. It also covers monitoring project progress, managing risks, and ensuring the quality of project results.
WP2: Demonstrators
Lead: PGM
Focus on the selection and preparation of demonstration sites, as well as the construction and operation of the systems. In addition, monitoring systems are implemented and the systems are analyzed and optimized under real conditions.
WP3: Storage
Lead: AIT
This work package focuses on the further development of materials and components for seasonal thermal energy storage. Physical processes are investigated, models are developed, and simulations are carried out.
WP4: System
Lead: HLU
Development of energy system models and integration of various components. Digital twins and scenario analyses are used to evaluate system behavior and optimization potential.
WP5: Environment
Lead: MLU
Focus on analyzing environmental impacts over the entire system lifecycle. The goal is to assess emissions, resource use, and long-term ecological effects.
WP6: Exploitation & Market
Lead: GFX
This work package focuses on analyzing market potential and developing exploitation strategies, including economic assessments, business plans, and investment strategies.
WP7: Communication, Dissemination & Outreach
Lead: INO
Development and implementation of communication and dissemination measures to share project results, including events, digital content, and training activities.
Further information#
Deliverables#
Publications#
Project partners#
- MARTIN-LUTHER-UNIVERSITY HALLE-WITTENBERG (Project coordination)
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
- E.ON UK Infrastructure Services Limited
- Stichting Global Energiesprong Alliance
- GREENFLEX
- Geological Survey of Finland (GTK)
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- IN-Campus GmbH
- INOSENS DOO NOVI SAD
- Planungsgruppe M+M AG
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
- Vantaa Energy Ltd.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd.
- WIZ Development & Services SRL
Funding#
INTERSTORES is 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 or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.