EU GeoSmart project concludes, demonstrating flexible geothermal solutions
The EU-funded GeoSmart research project (source: GeoSmart)
Carlo Cariaga
3 Oct 2024
The EU-funded GeoSmart research project has concluded, successfully developing and demonstrating technologies for flexible and reliable geothermal power.
The EU-funded GeoSmart research project has officially concluded, successfully developing technologies geared towards the optimization of geothermal technologies through increased reliability and flexibility.
The project has successfully developed technologies, such as the GeoSmart flexible power plants, to become highly adaptable energy providers while maintaining baseload power sources. Coinciding with this milestone, the consortium also announces the release of a comprehensive “Techno-Economic Study of European Geothermal Power,” offering critical insights into the future of geothermal energy in Europe.
With funding from the European Union, the GeoSmart project brought together a consortium of 19 partners from across Europe, all working collaboratively to develop and demonstrate these innovative solutions.
The work done under GeoSmart underscores the importance of geothermal as a crucial element in achieving the EU’s Net Zero goals and an overall electricity market reform. In 2023, geothermal was once again recognized as the best baseload power source from renewable sources, achieving a load factor of more than 80%. Moreover, geothermal provides unmatched flexibility in balancing fluctuating energy demands.
The new technologies developed by the GeoSmart project have facilitated further deployment of geothermal power and heat plants to generate flexible power. Initiatives include thermal energy storage (TES), silica scaling reduction, and an adiabatic cooling system for ORC power plants that helps increase power production.
The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) has shared a video highlighting the remarkable achievements of the GeoSmart project. The video (shown below) showcases the cutting-edge technologies developed to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of geothermal power plants, aligning with Europe’s goals for sustainable and secure energy.
Source: EGEC
