Sand-based thermal storage in Positive Energy Districts (PED).

A Belgian technology SME is developing a modular thermal energy storage system that converts surplus renewable electricity into heat and stores it in sand. The stored energy can later be delivered as hot air and/or hot water. The system is designed for long-duration storage, local production, long asset life and integration with smart energy management.

The proposed R&D project will target the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Call 2026, Positive Energy Districts Topic 3: “Sustainable PEDs, flexibility in energy systems, and integrated technologies”. The project concept is to demonstrate and validate how thermal storage can provide multi-carrier flexibility by coupling renewable electricity with heat demand. It will investigate technical integration, smart control and forecasting, interoperability, contribution to grid congestion mitigation, business models, governance and replication across European urban contexts.

The SME already has an industrial pilot customer in Belgium and is preparing an industrial demonstration. Within the DUT project, the technology would be integrated into a broader urban energy system rather than tested as an isolated technology. The intended consortium should therefore combine a municipality/local authority, an experienced coordinator, research and energy-system expertise, and where relevant grid/flexibility, digital, building or energy-community partners.

This profile specifically seeks the consortium coordinator.

Expected Role of a Partner The sought partner will act as main applicant and consortium coordinator. It should have proven experience in coordinating European collaborative R&D projects, preferably Horizon Europe, DUT or related urban-energy programmes, and expertise in integrated energy systems, Positive Energy Districts, flexibility or sector coupling.

The coordinator is expected to shape the project architecture together with the SME and other partners; coordinate the pre-proposal and, if selected, the full proposal; ensure alignment with DUT eligibility and impact requirements; lead consortium governance; and support the integration of technical demonstration, research, city participation, monitoring, business models and replication.

A university, R&D institution, applied research organisation or experienced innovation-oriented organisation is particularly relevant. Access to a network of municipalities, DSOs, energy communities, aggregators, technology providers or living labs is considered a strong advantage.

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In accordance with the DUT Call 2026 transnational requirements, the final consortium must include at least three eligible applicants from three participating countries and must involve a municipality or local authority.

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Although the profile primarily seeks a coordinator, expressions of interest from organisations able to contribute complementary expertise as consortium partners or work package leaders are also welcome. Interested organisations should briefly describe their proposed role, relevant expertise and potential contribution to the project.

MORE INFORMATION : https://een.ec.europa.eu/partnering-opportunities/belgian-sme-seeks-dut-call-2026-driving-urban-transitions-coordinator