This feasibility study was conducted within the framework of a national funding program aimed at promoting the planning and implementation of highly efficient, large-scale solar thermal energy systems. The primary objective of the study is to assess the technical and economic viability of integrating a large solar thermal plant with seasonal thermal energy storage into the existing district heating (DH) network infrastructure.
CES was commissioned to carry out a comprehensive technical and conceptual analysis, covering all major aspects required for project development and funding submission. The scope of services included a detailed assessment of the existing district heating network to identify integration points and operational requirements for the solar thermal plant. A particular focus was placed on the dimensioning and technical configuration of a seasonal storage system, intended to maximize solar energy utilization across annual demand fluctuations.
As part of the concept development phase, CES prepared process flow diagrams (PFDs), evaluated various technology options, and defined suitable configurations for both the solar field and the thermal storage system. The study also involved design services, preliminary cost estimation, and the preparation of all relevant documentation required to support the project’s further development and investment decision.
Additionally, CES conducted an authority permitting assessment, identifying the regulatory steps and conditions necessary for implementation, including environmental and construction-related requirements. All findings and recommendations were consolidated into a comprehensive feasibility report, providing a clear technical and financial foundation for the next project phases.
Through this study, CES contributed to enabling the transition toward a more sustainable and low-carbon heat supply, demonstrating the strategic potential of solar thermal energy in decarbonizing municipal heat systems through seasonal storage and intelligent network integration.
