In Furuset, Oslo, a new borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) development is underway. The objective of the demo site is to enable the collection of excess heat from incineration plants, data centres, and sewage water in Oslo and store it for when demand is high. The challenges are big, from the need for heat-resistant materials to financial and regulatory hurdles for the project viability. But USES4HEAT plans to tackle exactly these bottlenecks by bringing together a multitude of partners with the necessary expertise to make the Furuset BTES a reality.
There is much expectation around the project. According to Fredrik Thorbjørnsen, production analyst at Hafslund Oslo Celsio, the storage facility at Furuset will help to further decarbonise the district heating in Oslo by reducing the use of fossil fuels during peak demand periods in wintertime. Fredrik also explains a little about the technology behind the facility.
We will use conventional boring drills. What is special about this site is that we need to have plastic material developed for high temperatures and to be used for a long time at high temperatures. Additionally, we plan to integrate solar panels into the project
Fredrik Thorbjørnsen, production analyst at Hafslund Oslo Celsio
The BTES should be ready by the summer of 2026. Until then, extensive studies and tests will be conducted to determine the most efficient way to store the heat and to make the Furuset facility a model for future replicators.
You can watch the full interview with Fredrik below!