Next generation flexible trigeneration geothermal ORC plant

Solutions developed

 The aim of the EU-funded nGEL project is to convert a geothermal ORC plant into a flexible tri-generation plant capable of efficiently responding to power, heating, and cooling demands. The project will integrate an energy management system (EMS) with AI functionalities. Implementing this technology in all existing ORC plants in the EU could meet about 4 % of the EU’s current annual heat demand.

Main results

nGEL aims to transform geothermal ORC plants into flexible tri-generation systems, efficiently balancing power, heating, and cooling demand. By integrating absorption chillers, thermal storage, heat exchangers, and an AI-driven EMS, it enables geothermal energy to support grids against intermittent renewables. The EMS optimizes energy production based on market data, grid conditions, and demand forecasts. If applied to all EU ORC plants, nGEL could supply 215 TWht to the thermal grid—4% of the EU’s annual heat demand—saving €9.6 billion per year on natural gas imports.