A spin off by
- Terra Energy volgt europees project rond promotie grondgekoppelde warmtepompen - Meer informatie op http://geopower-i4c.eu/
- Rapport combinatie KWO en sanering grondwater
- interessante studiedag groene warmte en groene energie
- Terra Energy zoekt projectleider
- Terra Energy haalt waarde uit de aarde
- Terra Energy bouwt mee aan Chinese geothermische stad
- Lees het artikel over het Liaocheng project in energymag
- Terra voert meetcampagne uit voor ALBON
- Terra Energy werkt mee aan nieuw multifunctioneel hoofdkwartier BEBAT
- Terra Energy is projectpartner in MIP2-project “Groene datacenters”.
History
The Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) developed several key technologies in the geothermal energy field. In order to see the widest possible application of these developments, VITO engineers formed Terra Energy in 2008. Terra Energy is a VITO (Flemish Institute Of Technology and Research) spin-off company active in the use of geothermal energy, renewable heat and heat pump technology.
VITO's scientists and engineers focused for a long time on energy, materials, and environmental sciences. When their work on geothermal energy began in 1995, they were positioned to make significant contributions to the field.
Of particular interest, however, is VITO's development and practical application of ATES and BTES technology.
1995-1999: Development of ATES technology
Integration and field implementation of ATES, or Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage, was VITO's focus for four years, beginning in 1995. In the early years VITO focused on gathering expertise on ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage). Once the viability of ATES systems for heating and cooling was demonstrated VITO focused on the integration and implementation in true building projects. This led to a full breakthrough of the ATES-technology in Belgium and decent environmental permits and regulation.
1999-2008: Development of BTES technology
The ATES approach requires a site with a permeable, saturated underground layer as a storage medium, somewhat limiting its application. VITO started to research BTES as an alternate approach in 1999. BTES, or Borehole Thermal Energy Storage, has almost no geological restrictions, but required further development of thermal testing equipment to ensure proper performance in the field.
VITO constructed an enhanced TRT (Thermal Response Test) rig and placed its first BTES system in one of their own office complexes. With the expertise gained in developing and installing this reference system, VITO was ready to push geothermal energy and underground heat exchange systems into the widest possible use.
2009: Terra Energy start-up
To this end, in partnership with the private sector, VITO scientists and engineers formed Terra Energy in 2009. Their mandate is to leverage VITO's groundbreaking geothermal energy research and development to significant effect in today's energy economy.