As part of the EU-funded STORM project under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, our partners at the National Energy Research Center – Royal Scientific Society, are preparing a full-scale pilot in Ajloun that will integrate Tank Thermal Energy Storage (TTES) with solar energy, PV panels, and heat pumps to meet the heating demand of 38 eco-cabins in the reserve.
Building the foundation for impact
From homes to eco-lodges, space heating and cooling dominate building energy use in the region. In Ajloun, space heating is currently provided mainly through air conditioners, while domestic hot water relies on electric heaters. This means significant electricity use during colder months.
To design an efficient and cost-effective TTES system, the team first needed real performance data from the site. Every meaningful energy upgrade starts with a thorough baseline assessment; without accurate data, identifying opportunities for improvement and measuring the impact of interventions becomes highly imprecise.
What happened during the field visit?
U-value measurements of the building envelope
Engineers measured the thermal transmittance (U-values) of walls, roofs, and windows. These values are critical inputs for heating load calculations and help quantify how much heat is currently lost through the building envelope.
Instead of relying on theoretical assumptions, the team is using real, site-specific data to size the future storage system accurately.
Thermal camera inspections
Infrared thermography was used to detect heat losses, insulation gaps and thermal bridges. These checks help identify exactly where improvements are needed, ensuring that the pilot targets the most impactful upgrades.
Power analyzer monitoring
Portable power analyzers were installed to document existing electricity consumption. These measurements establish the “before” baseline — capturing how much energy is currently used for heating and hot water.
Once the TTES-based system is installed, the same parameters will be monitored to quantify energy savings, reduction in peak electricity demand, and emission reductions.
From data to impact
STORM is not only installing pilots — it is generating high-quality technical evidence to support wider adoption of Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) across the Mediterranean.
The Ajloun pilot will demonstrate how solar heat captured in summer can be stored and reused in winter, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based electricity and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This is in line with the project’s objective to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
By grounding the design in real data, the project ensures that results are measurable, transparent, and replicable for similar eco-tourism and residential facilities across the region.
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