DRP0401187 – StoreMoreWarm StoreMoreWarm is currently a seed money project under the Danube Region Programme. This means our primary focus is on designing a comprehensive main project proposal that will be submitted to various relevant calls for securing further funding and implementing the project’s innovative vision for thermal energy storage. An integral part of this seed money project is building a strong, multidisciplinary partnership with relevant experts, with the goal of involving 8-12 partners in the final project proposal.The Danube Region faces a significant energy challenge: balancing the fluctuating supply of renewable energy sources like solar and wind with the demand for heating, especially during the cold winters. This challenge is further complicated by an existing reliance on fossil fuels and underutilized infrastructure. StoreMoreWarm aims to address this by developing and implementing innovative long-term thermal energy storage solutions. These solutions go beyond traditional water tanks and leverage cutting-edge technologies like Phase Change Materials, Thermochemical Storage, Underground Thermal Energy Storage, and high-temperature sand or molten metal storage.By storing excess renewable energy generated during peak production periods, StoreMoreWarm seeks to ensure a stable and reliable heat supply throughout the year, even when renewable sources are less productive. The project focuses on decentralized applications, particularly in public buildings like schools and hospitals, to enhance local energy self-sufficiency. This is achieved by capturing and storing heat from renewable sources and utilizing it efficiently when needed, effectively bridging the gap between energy availability and demand.Ultimately, StoreMoreWarm aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, optimize existing infrastructure, and promote a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem in the Danube Region. By piloting these technologies in real-world settings and fostering collaboration among researchers, industry, and policymakers, the project hopes to drive wider adoption of these solutions and contribute to local and global sustainability goals.Consortium: LP1-Oradea Metropolitan Area Intercommunity Development AssociationPP2-Forschung BurgenlandPP3-Croatia Green Building CouncilPP4- Békéscsaba Energia ESCO Kft. Project implementation period:2024.09.01-2025.08.31 Project activities:Output 1 Report on the state of play in the addressed field

• Activity 1.1 Market analysis of emerging heat storage technologies
• Activity 1.2 Exploration of Functional Thermal Storage Systems in the Danube Region (and Beyond)
• Activity 1.3 Gap Analysis and Target Group Identification for the main project

Output 2 Main project work plan

• Activity 2.1 Consortium Building & Expertise Expansion
• Activity 2.2 Drafting, Review, and Validation of the Project Work Plan
• Activity 2.3 Preliminary specification design of the optimisation tool

Activity 2.3 focuses on developing an optimization tool to intelligently manage energy storage and usage in buildings. This tool will address key challenges like the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources and the need to minimize energy costs and emissions. By integrating data from weather forecasts, energy demand, and electricity prices, the tool will optimize the use of both electrical and thermal storage systems. This has significant market relevance for building owners and grid operators alike, offering cost savings, increased efficiency, and support for a cleaner energy transition. The main project will further develop this tool by focusing on algorithm design, data sourcing, and user interface development, leveraging the expertise of a strong consortium to create a truly impactful solution for the Danube Region.

• Activity 2.4 Preliminary specification design of the Modelling tool

Activity 2.4 focuses on developing a user-friendly modelling tool to simplify the design and optimization of thermal energy storage solutions. This tool will address challenges like the complexity of designing these systems and the need to accurately balance energy storage capacity with renewable energy generation and building-specific demand. By integrating data from building energy models, climate information, and technology costs, the tool will enable data-driven decision-making for building designers, owners, and even policymakers. The main project will further develop this tool by focusing on the calculation engine, technology database, usability, and validation, ensuring it becomes a valuable resource for promoting the green energy transition in the Danube Region. Output 3 Report on funding possibilities

• Activity 3.1 Report on funding possibilities

Additional preparatory activities

• Activity 4.1 Preliminary designs for public buildings to pilot advanced thermal storage systems