STORM – Integrating Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage in the Mediterranean Region has officially launched marking a major step toward cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling systems across the Mediterranean.
On November 6th, 2025, STORM – Integrating Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage in the Mediterranean Region project has officially launched under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, marking a major step toward cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling systems across the Mediterranean.
With a total budget of €2.7 million, of which €2.4 million (89%) is funded by the European Union, STORM brings together seven partners from Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Italy, and Spain to demonstrate how Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) can reduce energy reliance on fossil fuels, cut emissions, and enhance climate resilience.
A Mediterranean challenge with a Mediterranean solution
Heating and cooling account for more than half of the region’s total energy use in buildings, much of it still relying on expensive and polluting fossil fuels. At the same time, the Mediterranean enjoys one of the world’s richest solar resources—an opportunity that remains largely untapped.
STORM aims to change this by testing and scaling solar-based seasonal energy storage, a technology that captures excess thermal energy during the summer and stores it underground or in insulated tanks for use during winter. This approach can drastically reduce fossil fuel dependency and energy bills for households, universities, public buildings, and eco-tourism facilities.
Four pilots across four countries
To prove real-world applicability, STORM is implementing three full-scale pilots and one demonstration site, each representing different climates, geological conditions, and building types:
These pilots will generate valuable technical, environmental, and financial data—supporting replication across the region.
Tools, knowledge, and policies for long-term impact
Beyond infrastructure, STORM will deliver:
STORM is not only installing innovative pilots — it is building the knowledge, tools, and policies needed to make seasonal thermal storage a cornerstone of the Mediterranean’s sustainable energy future.
A shared Mediterranean effort
The project is led by the American University of Beirut (Lebanon), in partnership with Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (Lebanon), Royal Scientific Society (Jordan), American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (Cyprus), University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (Italy), University of Palermo (Italy), and Knowledge Innovation Market Foundation BCN (Spain).
Together, we aim to accelerate the region’s green energy transition, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support healthier, more resilient communities.
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Last Update
04/12/2025
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