This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. The development of UTES is linked to a multidisciplinary understanding of the whole system, including waste-heat source, exploration and subsurface characterization, production, implementation, and distribution systems, as well as the adaptation of the regulatory framework and social acceptance. The main technical challenges are the adaptation of the return temperature from the surface site to the subsurface temperature and to the regulatory frameworks, identification, characterization, and monitoring of the reservoirs for UTES, the geo-mechanical effects of the reservoir linked to the seasonal injection/ production operations related to pressure and temperature changes, hydrogeochemical problems associated with scaling and corrosion of the piping system, circular design, and optimization of the distribution network. The award value is EUR 20 000 000. Visit Funder for details.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries;

• The Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions
• The Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)  are linked to the Member States
• Eligible non-EU countries; countries associated with Horizon Europe and  low- and middle-income countries

The deadline for application is 26 April 2022.