Next Generation Flexible Trigeneration Geothermal ORC Plant (nGEL) Project has lately been featured on ThinkGeoEnergy, a leading global platform dedicated to geothermal energy developments.
This recognition further highlights the nGEL Project’s pioneering efforts to transform geothermal energy by enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plants. This project aims to optimise low-temperature geothermal resources while supporting Europe’s transition to sustainable and efficient energy.
Transforming Geothermal Energy with Trigeneration
The nGEL project is an EU-funded initiative aimed at converting traditional geothermal ORC plants into flexible trigeneration systems. This innovative approach will enable geothermal plants not only to generate electricity but also to provide heating and cooling, ensuring a more adaptive and efficient supply of energy.
Key objectives of the nGEL Project include:
- Utilising ultra-low-temperature geothermal resources (≤110°C) for electricity generation
- Optimising energy efficiency for electricity, heating, and cooling at temperatures between 110–170°C
- Enhancing ORC plant flexibility to improve integration with power and thermal grids
- Supporting grid stability amid increasing renewable energy deployment
Cutting-Edge Innovations
The nGEL Project’s technological advancements focus on maximising geothermal potential through:
- Integrating advanced absorption chillers and thermal energy storage (TES and CTES)
- AI-driven digital twin technology to optimise geothermal plant operations in real-time
- Increased plant reliability, particularly in high ambient temperature conditions
- Comprehensive sustainability assessment, employing life cycle analysis (LCA) and thermo-economic models to evaluate environmental and economic impacts
A Strong Consortium Driving Innovation
The nGEL Project, coordinated by Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (IEG), brings together seven leading organisations, including Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek N.V. (VITO), Zorlu Enerji Elektrik Üretim, Geolorn Ireland Ltd., REPG Energy, Naldeo Technologies Et Industries, and Technovative Solutions Ltd. (TVS).
EU Funding & Future Impact
The nGEL Project is a four-year initiative, launched in June 2024, with a budget of nearly €6 million. It is funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Actions (grant agreement No. 101148170) under the call “Horizon-CL5-2023-D3-02 (Sustainable, Secure, and Competitive Energy Supply)”.
With the successful deployment of the nGEL project in existing ORC plants across the EU, it holds the potential to:
- Deliver 215 TWht of heat to the thermal grid.
- Meet approximately 4% of the EU’s annual heat demand.
- Generate economic savings of €9.6 billion per year.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
The nGEL Project’s feature on ThinkGeoEnergy marks a significant milestone in advancing geothermal energy innovation. As global energy systems shift towards net-zero objectives, projects like nGEL demonstrate the transformative potential of geothermal energy as a reliable, low-emission, and cost-effective solution.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue reshaping the future of geothermal energy!