Market Exploration: Planning Support Services for a High-Temperature Geothermal Energy Storage
Contract Value:
-
Notice Type:
Contract Notice
Published Date:
12 March 2026
Closing Date:
26 March 2026
Location(s):
DEA NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN (DE Germany/DEUTSCHLAND)
Description:
The project seeks to develop a seasonal heat storage system for temperatures above 100°C, utilizing concentrating solar thermal technology and renewable energy, with interested companies invited to express their interest informally to assist in planning and feasibility assessments.
This is a market exploration procedure in which interested companies can initially express their interest informally without submitting a bid. The contracting authority will then decide whether the aforementioned services will be publicly tendered. The specified bid deadline refers to the period in which an informal expression of interest can be submitted. No bid is expected at this point.
For a future stable heat supply, the development of suitable storage concepts for heat/electricity from renewable technologies is essential. Unlike fossil energy sources, heat and electricity from renewable energies are not available on demand. To meet the demand during times when too little heat/electricity is produced from renewable technologies, the excess generated energy must be stored. In particular, solar technologies show a pronounced seasonal dependency, so there is usually a surplus in summer, while too little electricity/heat is delivered in winter. With the help of a seasonal storage system, this surplus can be stored and used in winter when needed.
Thanks to the latest developments in concentrating solar thermal technology such as parabolic troughs, processes with high temperatures beyond 100 °C can be efficiently supplied. Industrial waste heat can also be utilized this way. The Terrafer storage system aims to seasonally store temperatures beyond 100°C, enabling year-round and complete heat supply for process heat users or district heating networks.
ASSIGNMENT
The goal of the Terrafer project is to develop a concept for a seasonal heat storage system for temperature ranges above 100°C up to 400 °C. A heat transfer medium will flow through pipes in the ground, releasing heat to the surrounding soil, which warms up as a result. By storing heat from concentrating solar thermal systems and also from renewable (surplus) electricity and waste heat, a 100% regenerative heat supply can be achieved in the future. Heat processes should be efficiently supplied up to 200°C or beyond by storing summer heat for winter use. The maturity level for the technology is still low at TRL 2, but a TRL of 5 is expected to be reached within the project. For this purpose, a storage facility will be constructed and tested as a testing field following calculations for execution.
The subcontractor will assist with the associated planning activities, assess the feasibility of the concept, evaluate the approval capabilities, and undertake other tasks such as public relations.
Supplier Requirements:
- Extensive expertise in the design, component integration, and commissioning of heat storage systems; - Experience in the field of concentrating solar thermal energy and thermal storage.
Interested companies are requested to address this requirement profile in their expression of interest, so that the contracting authority can assess whether technical competence and experience are fundamentally present.
The funding will be based on a grant notification, and the work to be performed cannot be fully compensated due to funding conditions, meaning that a self-contribution of 50% must remain with the future supplier.