On Friday, 22 May 2026, the STORM project held its first Technical Summit at the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo in Pafos, Cyprus, bringing together project partners, technical experts, and stakeholders to explore how seasonal thermal energy storage can support sustainable heating and cooling solutions across the Mediterranean.
Held under the title “Designing STORM Pilots: From Mediterranean Potential to Real-World Solutions,” the Summit focused on the design of STORM’s pilot actions in Lebanon, Italy, Jordan, and Spain. It also gave STORM an important opportunity to introduce seasonal thermal energy storage to the community in Cyprus, highlighting the potential of this technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve building energy efficiency, and support the wider transition toward renewable energy solutions in the region.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Salah Sadek from AUB Mediterraneo, the host of the Summit in Pafos. The opening session also introduced STORM as a three-year project co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, with the American University of Beirut as lead partner and six partners from across the Mediterranean.
The first technical session provided an accessible overview of seasonal thermal energy storage technology and its relevance to Mediterranean countries. Participants were introduced to the basic concept of capturing solar heat during sun-rich months, storing it in the ground or in insulated tanks, and using it later when heating or cooling demand increases. The session also highlighted why this technology is especially relevant for the Mediterranean climate setting, where solar potential is high but heating and cooling in buildings continue to rely heavily on fossil-fuel-based systems.
A central part of the Summit was dedicated to the four STORM pilot and demonstration actions. In Lebanon, the American University of Beirut presented the design of a solar-assisted borehole thermal energy storage system for renewable heating of Bliss Hall, one of AUB’s historic buildings. The pilot will use solar collectors, a borehole field, a heat pump, and supporting equipment to test how stored solar heat can contribute to the building’s heating demand using renewable energy.
The University of Palermo presented the pilot planned in Italy, which will combine solar energy, borehole thermal energy storage, photovoltaic panels, and a ground-coupled heat pump to support heating and cooling needs in a university building. The pilot will test how a co-generation system that incorporates seasonal energy storage can contribute to more efficient building energy systems in a Mediterranean climate.
In Jordan, the Royal Scientific Society presented the Ajloun Forest Reserve pilot, where a solar-assisted tank thermal energy storage system is being designed to provide renewable heating and domestic hot water for eco-cabins. The presentation highlighted both the technical and social relevance of the pilot, including its potential to reduce heating costs, lower emissions, support year-round eco-tourism, and benefit local community activities linked to the reserve.
The Barcelona demonstration, presented with the support of the project Associate Partner Districlima, showcased how large-scale district heating and cooling systems can support more efficient urban energy use. The presentation introduced Barcelona’s district cooling network and its ice storage system, offering participants a practical example of how thermal storage can be integrated into urban infrastructure and support more sustainable cooling in cities.
Beyond the pilots, the Summit also presented the tools that will support the design, assessment, and replication of seasonal thermal energy storage solutions. Knowledge Innovation Market Barcelona introduced STORM’s Digital Platform, which is being developed as an open-access hub bringing together knowledge, tools, data, pilot information, case studies, and learning spaces for stakeholders. The platform will support public authorities, municipalities, energy agencies, engineers, researchers, and project developers in better understanding and assessing seasonal thermal energy storage solutions.
The University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” – The Department of Architecture and Industrial Design also presented ongoing work on the Mediterranean Design Toolkit and regional zonation activities. These activities will map climate, geology, energy demand, solar radiation, heating and cooling needs, and ground characteristics across partner countries. The resulting tools will help stakeholders better assess where and how seasonal thermal energy storage systems can be designed and applied in Mediterranean contexts.
By bringing together partners from across the Mediterranean and opening the discussion with the local community in Cyprus, the Technical Summit marked an important step in moving STORM from concept to implementation. Through its pilots, digital platform, design toolkit, and policy-oriented work, STORM will continue generating practical knowledge and tested solutions to help make seasonal thermal energy storage more visible, accessible, and replicable across the region.
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