Seasonal energy storage in clay for a decentralized energy system in buildings

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

In Norway, electricity prices are at an all-time high, going above 7 NOK/kWh. Across Europe, the trend of higher energy prices is the same for various sectors of the economy. Buildings are a significant consumer of the overall energy in Norway, and it also represents a high potential for energy and emissions savings. Furthermore, a review of the current month's fuel and energy prices, influenced by the war and other factors such as now well-known global warming effects, makes it essential to develop independent and decentralized energy systems. Building a well-balanced decentralized energy system requires a seasonal energy storage system, like a borehole system, to move energy in time from warm to cold periods. Boreholes for energy storage are typically built in rocky sub-surfaces. However, clay is common all over Norway and widespread in Trøndelag and eastern Norway. Using clay as seasonal energy storage is challenging due to the thermo-physical properties of clay. This research project aims to develop boreholes in clay suitable for integrating into existing energy systems, and coupled with other sustainable energy systems like heat pumps. The technology is new and is unknown in Norway and across the world, but it will have widespread applications. Furthermore, it will benefit a more balanced decentralized energy system in clay regions. Given the actual energy consumption and energy peak load, achieving the goal of building a decentralized energy system seems unrealizable without boreholes.