Easier to install and more efficient

The cost and efficiency of existing geothermal systems, mostly based on vertical wells, to provide heating and cooling in buildings being retrofitted or renovated are not very competitive in particular when digging is difficult. The challenge is to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of geothermal systems for heating and cooling in individual installations being retrofitted.

Scope:

Proposals shall target easy to install and efficient underground coupling systems for retrofitting existing types of buildings or adaptable to existing types of buildings, including historical buildings, to make geothermal energy a standard source of heat and cold in building renovation. The difficulties in drilling in built environments must be taken into consideration and properly addressed. Proposals might address the need for improved and more cost-efficient heat pumps to optimize the use of the energy generated by the proposed geothermal system. Synergies may be considered with activities initiated under the Energy Efficiency call topics EE-10-2016 and EE-11-2016.