Access to geothermal resources typically requires drilling, construction and other cost- and labor-intensive activities. A less complex approach to the exploitation of this renewable energy source is being deployed in urban areas by Swiss startup Enerdrape.

The simplified solution relies on ultra-thin panels that transform the walls of underground spaces, such as parking garages and basements, into clean energy exchangers. Without the need for drilling or excavation, these 2 cm thick panels capture both shallow geothermal heat from the ground and residual thermal energy from the surrounding air by circulating a fluid in a closed loop. This energy is then amplified by a heat pump and used for heating in winter and cooling in summer. With each square meter of panel supporting around 10 m² of indoor space, the system offers a flexible, low-impact way to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions from building infrastructure.

The anels convert underground spaces such as parking garages into sustainable energy sources. Source: Enerdrape

The geothermal panels have been successfully installed at several sites in Europe, and now Enerdrape plans to introduce the technology to underground spaces in the U.S. The first development targets the Millenium Parking Garages in Chicago, Illinois, considered the largest downtown public underground parking system in North America.