The STORM project is developing an open-access Digital Platform to make knowledge, tools, pilot data and learning resources on Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage easier to access, use and replicate across the Mediterranean.
Across the Mediterranean, buildings are facing growing pressure to become more energy efficient, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and adapt to rising climate challenges. Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage offers a promising solution by capturing thermal energy when it is available and storing it for later use in heating, cooling or hot water applications.
While these technologies are already mature, they remain difficult to design, compare and replicate in Mediterranean contexts. Technical information is often fragmented, practical design support is limited, and access to real pilot data remains a challenge. This makes it harder for municipalities, public authorities, engineers, researchers and project developers to move from interest to implementation.
To respond to these gaps, STORM is developing a Digital Platform that will serve as a public, open-access hub dedicated to Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage in the Mediterranean region. The platform will bring together knowledge, tools, data and community exchange in one integrated environment, supporting better-informed decisions and wider uptake of tested solutions.
The platform is designed for a wide range of users, including public authorities and municipalities, energy agencies, planners, engineers, technical consultants, researchers, universities, project developers and actors interested in replicating pilot solutions. Its purpose is not to provide theory alone, but to offer practical decision support grounded in real examples and Mediterranean conditions.
At the heart of the platform is a Knowledge Hub, which will gather technical documentation, guidelines, reports, best practices and policy-relevant material. This section will help translate complex information into accessible resources that can support early-stage understanding, benchmarking and planning.
The Digital Platform will also include interactive design and assessment tools. These tools will support preliminary design and decision-making by helping users explore sizing options, estimate performance, compare technologies, and assess costs and impacts, with particular emphasis on Borehole Thermal Energy Storage and Tank Thermal Energy Storage technologies. The tools are not intended to replace detailed engineering studies, but to help users make informed decisions before moving toward investment.
Another key component will be the Mediterranean Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage Atlas. This interactive resource will help users explore where different energy storage solutions may be suitable by bringing together information such as pilot locations, climate data, contextual conditions, geological considerations and zoning layers. By making this information easier to access and interpret, the Atlas will support regional planning, policy alignment and replication beyond individual pilot sites.
The platform will also showcase the STORM pilots and case studies in Beirut, Palermo, Ajloun and Barcelona. These pilots will not be presented as isolated experiments, but as reference points for future projects across the Mediterranean. Through the platform, users will be able to learn about their technical configurations, lessons learned and transferable insights.
In addition, the platform will include community and learning spaces to encourage knowledge exchange beyond the lifetime of the project. Visitors will be able to access open content such as case studies, selected educational materials and predefined tool settings. Registration will unlock more advanced features, including guided simulations, saved results, datasets, learning paths, quizzes and STORM certification levels. Thematic discussion spaces, expert exchange and moderated content will help build a Mediterranean community of practice around Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage.
A typical user journey could begin with a municipality exploring whether Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage is relevant for its public buildings. Through the platform, the municipality could consult the Knowledge Hub, use the tools to assess initial feasibility, review similar pilot examples, connect with experts and move gradually toward implementation.
By combining technical resources with practical tools and real pilot learning, the STORM Digital Platform aims to support a long-term shift from demonstration to replication. It is being designed for open access, transferability and long-term availability, with no dependency on proprietary systems.
Through this platform, STORM seeks to strengthen the link between pilots, policy and investment decisions. In the long run, it can help public authorities and energy actors make better-informed choices, accelerate the uptake of Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage and support more sustainable heating and cooling solutions across the Mediterranean.
Last Update
14/07/2026
Next Med