GEOREFIT

Geothermal energy provides a massive, renewable and green energy potential, stable with respect to atmospheric conditions, cost-competitive, pervasively available at the near-surface and thus optimal for local harvesting and distribution. There are innovative possibilities of using conventional geotechnical structures as thermally active elements, potentially having a significant impact on the thermal energy sector in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11 and 13. GEOREFIT project focuses on the thermal activation of geotechnical structures for heating and cooling of buildings or infrastructures, with a particular emphasis on retrofitting buildings and infrastructures. In Italy, buildings are currently being extensively renovated and infrastructures are undergoing thorough inspection and reparation to cope with the aging and deterioration of structural elements. The repair and renewal work provides a unique opportunity for a major upgrade of the geostructure itself, which may include thermal activation. To explore these issues and close knowledge gaps that hinder widespread practical application in Italy, the GEOREFIT project employs a three-pronged approach, addressing Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical response and energy performance by laboratory testing, in situ testing at unique experimental sites and advanced numerical modelling. Eventually, the project aims to improve the retrofitting process by exploring new materials and embedded sensors for smart applications, resulting in a technological leap in structure/infrastructure and energy efficiency. GEOREFIT, Closing knowledge gaps on energy geostructures for retrofitting of buildings and infrastructures, is a project funded by Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca, Italy, within the PRIN 2022 program (D.D 104-02/02/2022). The contents of this page reflect only the authors’ views and opinions and the Ministry cannot be considered responsible for them.