Mikkel Smaadahl

Substituting fossil fuels with renewable energies will not be feasible without a notable expansion of seasonal energy storage. Seasonal thermal energy storages (STES) are expected to contribute significantly to this goal. The project SwissSTES systematically analyses STES potentials such as available and unused cavities, geothermal probe or pit storages and it develops novel STES technologies together with a systemic action and implementation plan for Switzerland. The highly interdisciplinary consortium brings together all relevant stakeholders from science, industry and society to promote the spread of STES in Switzerland. In this context, technical innovations but also social, legal and economic aspects play an important role. Furthermore, regional case studies pave the way for future pilot and demonstration projects throughout Switzerland.