The INTERSTORES project proudly contributed to the scientific programme of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2026 in Vienna, demonstrating continued progress toward advancing seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (sTES) solutions and their integration into future sustainable energy systems.
Through five scientific abstracts presented during EGU26, INTERSTORES partners showcased research spanning subsurface thermal energy storage, system integration, modelling approaches, and technologies supporting the future deployment of underground thermal energy systems.
A particularly strong contribution came from our Finnish partner GTK, who represented INTERSTORES through three abstracts, including two oral presentations, highlighting scientific advances and strengthening project visibility within the international geoscience and energy research community.
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- Preparation of fracture data and delineation of bedrock domains for 3D DFN modeling of a cavern thermal energy storage site in Southern Finland - Teemu Lindqvist, Kati Ahlqvist, Jon Engström and Markku Hagström
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- The importance of structural geology in site characterisation of geoenergy and nuclear waste sites - Jon Engström, Kati Ahlqvist, Sami Vallin, Nikolas and Nicklas Nordbäck
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- Geological 3D modeling in crystalline bedrock for a cavern thermal energy storage site in S Finland - defining properties and parameters for deformation zones - Kati M. Ahlqvist, Jon Engström, Sami Vallin and Markku Hagström
At the same time, INTERSTORES coordination and project management efforts led by MLU, under the scientific leadership of Prof. Peter Bayer and project management support from Christoph Bott, continue to connect research excellence with implementation and collaboration across the consortium.
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- Design, construction, and scientific monitoring of a Reno-sTES - Christoph Bott, Emre Bas, Abdulrahman Dahash, Fabrizia Giordano, Janik Trauner, Daniel Lager, Markus Faigl, Christian Schneider, David Hoffmann, Jenny Weise, Simon Müller, Shariq Akbar, David Schmitt, Christoph Trinkl, Tobias Schrag, Peter Bayer, and Rainer Strobel
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- Model-based comparison of operation modes for water-gravel-filled multi-storage basins operated for seasonal thermal energy storage - Peter Bayer, David Hoffmann and Christoph Bott
The presented work reflects the interdisciplinary character of INTERSTORES, combining geological expertise, modelling and simulation, energy system integration, and practical demonstration activities of all the partners in the Consortium to support the uptake of seasonal Thermal Energy Storage technologies in Europe and around the world.
Participation at EGU26 provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen scientific networks, and increase the visibility of thermal energy storage as an essential building block of the energy transition.
A sincere thank you to all presenting authors, partners, and participants who contributed to insightful discussions and helped move thermal energy storage research closer to real-world implementation.
Stay connected as INTERSTORES continues turning scientific excellence into energy impact.