A project in which the Institute of Applied Geosciences is involved through the Applied Geothermal Energy department. The Push-It consortium has set itself the goal of demonstrating the application of high-temperature heat storage in geothermal reservoirs using three different technologies (borehole thermal energy storage, aquifer thermal energy storage, and mine thermal energy storage) at six different locations. There is an active demonstrator for each of the three technologies and a follow-up project in which a new system is being planned or constructed. The MD-BTES of the SKEWS project at the Lichtwiese site of TU Darmstadt is one of the demonstrators. Push-It is being funded by EU Horizon funds totaling 20 million euros.

A total of 50 members of the consortium consisting of 13 partners and 5 associated partners traveled to Darmstadt for the general assembly to discuss the progress of the project. On the first day, the teams from the six pilot sites – Delft, Bochum, Darmstadt, Berlin, Litoměřice, and United Downs – reported on the current status of work at their sites. In various work packages, results were also presented on key topics such as social engagement, optimised system integration and supporting technologies. Finally, the group went on a tour of the 750-meter-deep BTES facility at Lichtwiese campus.

The second day was dedicated to workshops and discussions on important topics such as stakeholder management, communication strategies, risk mitigation and optimisation of system integration.