Geostore
Seasonal Energy Storage for the Energy Transition
In addition to the production of electricity and heat from renewable energy, energy storage is another key factor for a successful energy transition. Due to restrictive water protection legislation, groundwater is generally unsuitable for storing large amounts of energy. This is where artificially created deep geothermal energy storage (EGS storage) can play an important role. The concept involves a modified form of the multi-stage stimulation system with horizontally oriented cracks created by vertical drilling. Heat can be stored in or extracted from the geothermal storage system as required. Energie Wasser Bern (ewb) is planning a pilot project in Bern.
Tried and tested technology
Geothermal energy storage systems are already in operation in Europe and elsewhere in the world. These usually store heat in the low-temperature range between 20 and 30°C.
High-temperature storage systems are less common. One example can be found in the centre of Berlin under the parliamentary buildings in the Berlin Spreebogen (‘Wärme- und Kälteverbund Deutscher Bundestag’). The system consists of two storage units: a near-surface cold storage unit (quaternary unconsolidated sediments) and a heat storage unit about 300 m deep with storage temperatures of about 70°C. As in Bern, the heat storage unit is made up of sandstone layers. The system has been operating successfully since 1999.
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