Fraunhofer IAO | Mobility, Urban Systems Engineering and Innovation Systems
Fraunhofer IAO | Mobility, Urban Systems Engineering and Innovation Systems

GeoS-TECHIS: Geothermal Source Thermal Energy for Cooling and Heating in Industries with Steam

© Abzal (KIgen) - Adobe Stock

Reducing CO₂ -Emissions in our Industry – with Geothermal Energy

The EU Horizon-project GeoS-TECHIS focuses on enhancing geothermal energy integration into industrial heating and cooling systems to reduce carbon emissions by 60-75% in our industries. Therefore, the project investigates medium-depth geothermal resources combined with heat pump technologies.

 

GeoS-TECHIS is aligned with the EU's Vision for a Climate-Neutral Future 

 

According to the EU's Green Deal, net greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 55% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2030 and EU-wide climate neutrality is to be achieved by 2050. The energy transition plays a crucial role in this, as approximately 75% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions came from the energy sector in 2023.

To achieve these goals, the current focus is mainly on industry, as it not only accounts for a large proportion of our energy consumption but is also predominantly dependent on fossil fuels.

This is where geothermal energy and our GeoS-TECHIS project come into play. Thanks to its stable energy supply, independence from weather conditions, low life cycle costs, and low emissions, geothermal energy is considered promising compared to other renewable energies. Accordingly, projects such as GeoS-TECHIS are attempting to harness the EU's considerable geothermal potential to achieve the expected net-zero emissions in the industrial sector and make the transition to a sustainable energy system possible.

 

Strengthening Societal Acceptance of Geothermal Energy and Involving Stakeholders

 

To ensure that social aspects are considered in project planning and implementation, Fraunhofer IAO and IAT of the University of Stuttgart are focusing on the following areas:

  • Development of social indicators for a life cycle analysis,
  • Analysis of public and stakeholder perceptions regarding geothermal energy,
  • Creation of educational materials to raise public and stakeholder awareness,
  • Development of a white book and policy recommendations for the integration of geothermal technologies into the industrial sector

 

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The Project

GeoS-TECHIS aims to introduce an innovative thermal system that improves the integration of geothermal energy and digital solutions into industrial heating and cooling processes. This will simultaneously promote the decarbonization of industrial energy systems.

 

The following solutions are being developed as part of GeoS-TECHIS:

  • A thermal system designed for versatile industrial applications that efficiently uses geothermal sources, industrial surplus heat, and renewable energies.
  • Innovative concepts for high-temperature thermal energy storage (TES) that focus on operational flexibility in industrial contexts with sustainable heat fluids.
  • Hybrid digital modeling tools to optimize industrial heat processes and support industry in decarbonization through customized roadmaps.
  • Safe operating practices, comprehensive impact assessments, and mapping of geothermal energy potential.
  • Educational materials and workshop reports to raise awareness of geothermal energy among the public and stakeholders.
  • A whitebook and policy recommendations for the integration of geothermal technologies in the industrial sector.

 

Our Role in the GeoS-TECHIS Project

To ensure that social and public concerns are integrated into GeoS-TECHIS, Fraunhofer IAO and IAT of the University of Stuttgart are involved in work package 6 "ASSESS" with the following tasks:

  • Expanding life cycle assessments with social indicators
  • Analyzing public perception and stakeholder perspectives
  • Creating communication materials to inform the public
  • Developing action guidelines for implementing geothermal system integration for policymakers and industry

 

Our Consortium Partners

  • ENGINSOFT: Project Coordinator
  • Fundación Instituto Tecnológico de Galicia (ITG): Scientific Coordinator
  • STINEF: Research Partner
  • University of Ljubljana: Research Partner
  • AITOWN: Digital Innovator
  • LEITAT: Sustainability Partner
  • Clausius: Technology Provider
  • KAUMAN SAU: Demo Partner
  • FORTRINO: Exploitation Partner

 

© Sonja Banfy Fotografie

Survey on Geothermal Energy in Galicia

The next milestone in the GeoS-TECHIS project is approaching in Galicia (Spain): the launch of a public survey on the acceptance of geothermal energy in industry. The general public will be asked about the benefits, potential concerns, and their level of knowledge on the topic. The aim is to identify knowledge gaps and develop targeted measures to promote acceptance. We look forward to valuable feedback to help guide the future course of the project!

© Sonja Banfy Fotografie

What’s Next?

GeoS-TECHIS is entering the second half of its first project year with full energy! The transition from planning to implementation is underway: the prototype for the geothermal heating and cooling system has been designed, and work is ongoing on thermal storage, new fluids, and a hybrid digital twin. By the end of the year, we expect to have a completed prototype, an IIoT infrastructure, and initial measurable results on emissions reduction.

© Sonja Banfy Fotografie

KAUMAN Test Site in Spain

Starting in 2027, the KAUMAN demonstration site in Spain will test our technologies in an industrial setting. The goal is to demonstrate how integrated solutions can reduce planning costs by up to 25%, increase efficiency, and serve as a model for industries such as manufacturing and chemicals. During the GeoS-TECHIS meeting on April 1st, project partners visited the site and gained valuable insights. A heartfelt thank you to KAUMAN for the warm welcome!

© Sonja Banfy Fotografie

Project Meeting in Spain

From April 1–2, 2025, the consortium met in Mondariz, Spain. On the first day, all partners presented their progress, SINTEF introduced their thermal system, and the KAUMAN demonstration site was visited. Day two began with a workshop on Life Cycle Assessment (led by Leitat), followed by a session on stakeholder mapping and exploitation strategies (led by Fraunhofer and Fortrino). The meeting provided valuable input for continued collaboration.

© LinkedIn – GeoS-TECHIS

GeoS-TECHIS Project Launch

Industrial processes below 200 °C account for nearly 30% of Europe’s industrial CO₂ emissions, yet they often go overlooked. The GeoS-TECHIS project, funded by Horizon Europe, is developing a highly efficient system for harnessing geothermal energy that can reduce emissions by up to 75%. The kick-off meeting took place from October 16–18, 2024, at EnginSoft in Padua. The project combines high-temperature heat pumps, thermal storage systems, and a digital twin.

Do you have questions about our project? Feel free to send us an email or use the contact form below.

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