This Swiss start-up is using underground spaces to power buildings
What's the story
Enerdrape, a Swiss start-up, is revolutionizing urban decarbonization by harnessing underground heat to power buildings. The innovative technology uses energy-harvesting panels in existing underground spaces, making it an ideal solution for cities. The company has already deployed its system across Europe and is now focusing on older buildings in New York City. This innovative system promises energy savings and reduced emissions.
Tech details
How Enerdrape's system works
Enerdrape's system uses a network of prefabricated panels to harvest geothermal energy from the ground. These panels are attached to concrete infrastructure, which can store large amounts of heat. The company's technology was developed over decades by Lyesse Laloui, a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. He had previously created a solution for new construction but realized it only partially addressed the decarbonization issue for existing buildings.
Seasonal adaptation
The system's operation
During summer, Enerdrape's system uses underground spaces as heat sinks to cool buildings. In winter, it uses the ground like a battery to warm things up. The system requires one panel for every 10 square meters of a building's floor area and works with one or more heat pumps. "Enerdrape moves heat from where it's not needed to where it is," said co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Alessandro Rotta Loria.
Project success
Projects across Europe
Enerdrape claims its panels can meet all space heating, cooling, as well as hot water needs for buildings up to 10 stories high. The company has projects across Europe with Switzerland's largest retailer Coop Immobilier, small businesses like a dental office in Spain, utilities and several Swiss cities. It also partnered with Engie to supply energy to 72 homes with Paris Habitat.