Thermal needs of European DH were analyzed as well as technological, legal, economic and political opportunities and limitations. Database of all European cities with DH and several benchmarks regrouping data from numerous sources were created and analyzed.
During all the market study process, numerous meetings and exchanges were held with DH-related companies in the targeted countries and included DH operators, investing companies, drilling companies, and governmental agencies. It also gave Enertime a better comprehension of needs, opportunities and limitations of the potential market.
Enertime partner GZB (International Geothermal Center) identified, analyzed, reviewed and selected all geothermal areas in Europe that can be used for the heat pumps, including deep geothermal aquifers and coal mining areas. A detailed multilayer GIS map and a detailed study of geothermal potential was done and included a deep analysis of geothermal layers characteristics: technical, potential, feasibility, risks,...
In addition, GZB did an analysis of existing GeoDH networks and a study presenting general knowledge about geothermal energy and drilling, including a benchmark/monitoring of European legal and political positioning regarding geothermal projects.
The crossing of geothermal potential data and DH information provided Enertime a potential market scaling and possible project localization.
It allowed also to understand barriers and opportunities of using geothermal HP in DH networks, and to determine the priority regions for development.
Considering this information, a detailed business plan was drawn for the next years.
In the meantime, Enertime was contacted by different companies for several offer request, proving the interest of the actors.
Several pilot sites were identified for a demonstration project that will be submitted to H2020 SME program Phase2.
