COOLGEOHEAT II

Overall Purpose

The project aims to increase the use of renewable geothermal energy from the ground for collective energy supply in the green cities and rural areas of the future. It addresses technical and legislative barriers to enable broader implementation of geothermal energy and improve the cost-effectiveness of geothermal networks in the ÖKS region. The project is based on the technology known as 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling (5GDHC), also called "thermonets", which connect household heat pumps to a shared pipe system and use the ground as a large thermal storage.

Short-Term Goal

Develop clear national guidelines for the expansion of thermonets.

Long-Term Goal

Establish a learning and knowledge platform that enables the scaling of thermonets and thereby increases the share of renewable energy in the ÖKS region.

Expected Results

•    A design guide for heat pumps that can be used by manufacturers
•    A tool to predict heating and cooling demand in buildings
•    Improved business models and guidelines for ownership and operation of thermonets
•    An international knowledge and training platform for thermonets
•    A cost reduction of at least 10% across the value chain
•    Establishment of over 100 thermonets in the ÖKS region within 10 years

Challenges

Despite the potential of geothermal energy, the expansion of heating networks is still limited by:

•    Technical barriers: Lack of design guidelines to ensure comfort and supply security
•    Legislative barriers: Unclear or insufficient national frameworks for implementation
•    Economic uncertainties: Difficulty in creating sustainable business models and security for investors and network owners
•    Lack of knowledge: Limited access to education and guidance for stakeholders interested in starting thermonet projects

The project is highly relevant to the green transition because it:

•    Promotes renewable energy by increasing the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling
•    Strengthens energy security through local energy production and underground storage
•    Creates cross-border value through collaboration between actors in Denmark and Sweden
•    Contributes to the EU’s climate goals – the EU aims to increase district heating coverage to 50% by 2050, but with geothermal energy, this could reach up to 90%
•    Builds capacity through an international knowledge and training platform that disseminates project results throughout the ÖKS region and across the EU

Solution

The COOLGEOHEAT II project addresses a concrete question:
How can we scale up the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling in a cost-effective and sustainable way in the cities and rural areas of the future within the ÖKS region?

The project proposes a comprehensive solution that combines technical development, data collection, business modeling, and knowledge dissemination:

•    Design guidelines: Develop standards for how heat pumps in thermonets should be designed to maximize efficiency and comfort
•    Energy demand analysis: Create a tool to predict household heating and cooling needs based on data from Swedish and Danish homes
•    Business models and policy recommendations: Analyze existing projects and propose improvements in ownership structures and legislation
•    Improvement of existing networks: Explore how alternative energy sources (e.g., waste heat, rainwater, solar heat) can be integrated into thermonets
•    Knowledge platform: Establish an international training platform and annual summer school to spread knowledge and accelerate implementation

Impact

•    Technical and business security: The project delivers design guides and business models that make it easier for stakeholders such as district heating companies to invest in and operate thermonets, reducing uncertainty and increasing willingness to invest
•    More efficient product development: Manufacturers gain access to guidelines for developing cost-effective heat pumps tailored for thermonets
•    Data-driven decision support: A tool for predicting heating and cooling needs in buildings provides better planning data and optimizes network design
•    Knowledge dissemination: An international training platform and annual summer school strengthen the competence of both technicians and decision-makers in the ÖKS region and the EU