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	<title>THUNDER</title>
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	<description>THermochemical storage Utilization eNabling Data centre seasonal Energy Recovery</description>
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	<title>THUNDER</title>
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		<title>Join the THUNDER External Stakeholder Advisory Board</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/join-the-thunder-external-stakeholder-advisory-board/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:10:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1032</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Join the THUNDER External Stakeholder Advisory Board (ESAB) and help shape the future of data centre waste heat recovery in Europe! By joining, you’ll stay up to date with the project’s latest developments, exchange knowledge with experts, and contribute to the wider adoption of innovative and sustainable energy solutions. ABOUT THE PROJECT Data centres worldwide are estimated to account for 1–2% of global electricity consumption. In Europe, their electricity demand is expected to reach 98.5 TWh per year by 2030. Recovering waste heat generated by data centre cooling systems therefore offers significant potential to improve energy efficiency and support the energy transition. The THUNDER project aims to overcome existing barriers to the widespread adoption of data centre waste heat recovery by developing an innovative and cost-effective seasonal thermal energy storage solution based on thermochemical materials. THUNDER brings together key actors across the value chain, including data centre operators, innovative storage providers, heat pump manufacturers, and district energy companies. The solutions will be validated under real operating conditions at the demonstration site in Varna, Bulgaria. As data centre waste heat recovery is not yet widely implemented there, the demonstration will help promote market uptake in regions facing similar challenges. Since a [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>How project Thunder saves data centre seasonal waste heat</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/how-project-thunder-saves-data-centre-seasonal-waste-heat/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:51:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1028</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Data centres reject heat all year, but district heating needs it in winter. The Thunder project bridges that seasonal gap with thermochemical storage. Europe&#8217;s data centres are often seen as an energy challenge. For district heating operators, however, they represent a valuable heat source. Data centres convert almost all the electricity they consume into low grade heat, typically 25-35°C with conventional cooling and higher with liquid cooling, continuously throughout the year. Globally, they consumed an estimated 415TWh of electricity in 2024, around 1.5% of global electricity demand. Although most of this heat is still released into the atmosphere, heat recovery is becoming more common. THermochemical storage Utilization eNabling Data centre seasonal Energy Recovery (Thunder) is a Horizon Europe project running from 2024 to 2028. Its demonstration site is in Varna, Bulgaria, where Veolia Energy Varna operates a district heating network serving more than 15,000 customers, while Abilix Soft Ltd operates the AbsCloud data centre supplying the waste heat. The main challenge is seasonal mismatch: data centres generate heat all year, but district heating demand is highest in winter. Recovering heat directly into the network captures only the amount needed at that moment. Thunder addresses this by storing surplus summer heat [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>THUNDER organised a webinar on Heat on Wheels solution</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/thunder-organised-a-webinar-on-heat-on-wheels-solution/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:02:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1015</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[One of the key barriers to wider deployment of data centre waste heat recovery is the lack of a direct connection between data centres and district heating infrastructure. In many urban settings, physical distance, limited space, or existing infrastructure constraints make conventional integration technically or economically unfeasible. On 8 October 2026, the THUNDER project organised a webinar to present the Heat on Wheels&#160;concept, an innovative approach being developed within the THUNDER project to overcome these challenges. Based on mobile thermal energy storage using phase change materials (PCM), the concept enables upgraded waste heat to be transported from data centres to district heating networks without requiring a direct pipeline connection.&#160;This flexible approach opens new opportunities for utilising waste heat and expanding its contribution to Europe&#8217;s clean energy transition. The webinar presented the&#160;technical concept&#160;behind Heat on Wheels, followed by an&#160;assessment of its investment relevance, system integration, and replication potential&#160;across different European markets. Participants also learnt how a similar approach is already being demonstrated in the WATER HORIZON project, where mobile sorption thermal energy storage is used to transport industrial waste heat and provide cooling services, offering valuable insights into real-world implementation. In addition, the session explored the business and ownership models needed [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Consortium met in Bari</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/consortium-met-in-bari/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1012</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The THUNDER project is approaching a major milestone as the consortium prepares to enter the installation phase of its innovative waste heat recovery system. Project partners recently met to discuss the next steps following months of intensive development and validation work. During this phase, the consortium established the engineering foundations required to recover waste heat from data centres, integrate advanced seasonal thermal energy storage solutions, and optimise connections with district heating networks through the innovative HeatOnWheels concept. The completed activities include the design and simulation of high-performance heat pump systems, the characterisation of advanced storage materials, the detailed engineering of the demonstration systems, and the development of intelligent control strategies to maximise efficiency and operational performance. With these preparatory activities reaching completion, THUNDER is now moving from design and validation towards real-world implementation. The next stage will focus on the installation and integration of the technologies at the demonstration site in Varna, Bulgaria, bringing the project closer to demonstrating sustainable data centre waste heat recovery under real operating conditions. The consortium thanks partner SteelTech for hosting the meeting in Bari and all project partners for their continued collaboration and commitment as THUNDER advances towards this important phase.]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>THUNDER Showcased at the EHP Congress 2026 in Krakow</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/thunder-showcased-at-the-ehp-congress-2026-in-krakow/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1009</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The THUNDER project was represented at the EHP Congress in Kraków, a flagship event for the European district heating and cooling sector. Project partners from Veolia, RINA, Euroheat &#38; Power, and the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute joined industry leaders and experts to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of sustainable heating and cooling. Bringing together more than 500 business executives, over 35 exhibitors, more than 85 speakers, and representatives from local authorities across Europe, the Congress provided an important platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the sector. THUNDER was showcased in the Congress Innovation Gallery through a dedicated project poster, attracting interest from researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders. Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the project’s objectives, ongoing activities, and future developments, while engaging directly with project representatives. Participation in the event helped strengthen THUNDER’s visibility, create new connections within the heating and cooling community, and contribute to the wider discussion on innovative solutions for a sustainable and resilient European energy future.]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Survey to Explore Policy Challenges and Opportunities for Waste Heat Recovery Solutions</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/survey-to-explore-policy-challenges-and-opportunities-for-waste-heat-recovery-solutions/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 09:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1006</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The THUNDER project has launched a short survey to gather expert insights on the policy challenges and drivers shaping the future of industrial waste heat recovery, thermochemical energy storage, and innovative transportable heat solutions such as HeatonWheels. The survey targets key stakeholders, including industrial representatives, district heating operators, technology providers, public authorities, and energy experts. Their input will contribute to the development of a policy brief analysing how current European legislation supports or challenges the deployment of waste heat recovery technologies, thermochemical energy storage solutions, and seasonal and transportable heat systems. By identifying existing gaps and opportunities for stronger policy support, the collected insights will help formulate evidence-based recommendations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and support Europe’s transition towards more efficient and resilient energy systems. The survey takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential and will only be analysed in aggregated form. COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE: https://lnkd.in/gYFviedw]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>VEOLIA Presented Insights on Waste Heat Recovery and Thermal Storage at Linz District Heating Forum</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/veolia-presented-insights-on-waste-heat-recovery-and-thermal-storage-at-linz-district-heating-forum/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1003</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The THUNDER project was represented at the Linz District Heating Forum, organised by Energieinstitut an der JKU Linz, bringing together experts and stakeholders from Europe and beyond to discuss the future of district heating systems. The forum provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and perspectives on key topics including thermal energy storage, system integration, and flexibility in district heating. Discussions highlighted the importance of innovative technologies and collaborative approaches in developing more efficient and resilient energy systems. Representing THUNDER, Marina Aparicio Peña from Veolia Spain contributed to the discussions by sharing insights from the project’s ongoing work on recovering waste heat from a data centre in Varna, Bulgaria. The presentation showcased how waste heat recovery, combined with innovative thermochemical seasonal storage solutions, can support the integration of renewable and low-carbon energy sources into district heating networks. The event reinforced the importance of knowledge exchange between research, industry, and energy stakeholders to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable heating solutions across Europe.]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>THUNDER Showcased at a Workshop in Brussels</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/thunder-showcased-at-a-workshop-in-brussels/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=1000</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In February 2026, the THUNDER project was represented at the policy workshop “Strategic Directions for the Heating &#38; Cooling Transition” in Brussels, organised by the DHC+ Platform on behalf of the DHSynergyHub. The workshop brought together stakeholders from across the heating and cooling sector to discuss the evolving European policy landscape and explore opportunities to support the transition through public, private, and blended finance mechanisms. Aligned with the objectives of the event, THUNDER was invited to present its innovative approach in the exhibition area. Zita Salajková from RINA, supported by consortium partners Burcu Unluturk from the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Laura Junasová from Euroheat &#38; Power, represented the project and shared its vision, objectives, and ongoing work. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge with policymakers, industry representatives, and other key stakeholders, while highlighting the role of THUNDER’s solutions in supporting more sustainable, efficient, and resilient heating and cooling systems across Europe.]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>UNIFI Team Publishes New Study on Smart Reuse of Data Centre Waste Heat for District Heating</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/unifi-team-publishes-new-study-on-smart-reuse-of-data-centre-waste-heat-for-district-heating/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:32:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=997</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The University of Florence (UNIFI) team within the THUNDER project has published a new scientific paper in the journal Energies by MDPI, as part of the special issue “Trends and Developments in District Heating and Cooling Technologies.” The study, titled “Smart Reuse of Waste Heat from Data Centres: Energy and Exergy Analysis for a District-Heating Network in Bulgaria,” explores the potential of recovering waste heat from data centres and integrating it into district heating networks. The research presents an energy and exergy analysis of an innovative system combining a data centre, vapour-compression heat pumps, thermochemical energy storage, and a third-generation district heating network in Varna, Bulgaria. The study demonstrates how thermochemical storage can help overcome the challenge of seasonal mismatch between waste heat availability and heating demand, enabling more efficient and flexible heat utilisation. The publication highlights the potential of integrated solutions to improve energy efficiency, support the decarbonisation of district heating systems, and unlock the value of waste heat as a sustainable energy resource. The work contributes to the broader research activities of the Horizon Europe THUNDER project, which aims to develop innovative approaches for waste heat recovery from data centres. Read the paper here.]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Project Consortium Meets in Florence to Advance Waste Heat Recovery System Development</title>
		<link>https://www.thunderproject.eu/project-consortium-meets-in-florence-to-advance-waste-heat-recovery-system-development/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Junasová]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thunderproject.eu/?p=994</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The THUNDER consortium recently gathered in Florence for its 4th General Assembly, marking an important milestone as the project reached its midpoint. The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to review progress, exchange technical insights, and align on the next steps towards the full implementation of the integrated system. During the assembly, partners discussed the latest experimental results and validation activities related to innovative solutions for data centre waste heat recovery, including high-temperature heat pumps and their integration with energy storage technologies and district heating networks. The meeting also focused on the finalisation of the system design and the planning of upcoming installation activities, bringing the project closer to demonstrating its integrated energy solution in practice. A dedicated workshop on thermochemical storage explored key topics such as advanced storage materials, open-system concepts, experimental testing approaches, and numerical modelling techniques. The General Assembly highlighted the strong collaboration and technical commitment of all THUNDER partners. The consortium extends its thanks to the Università degli Studi di Firenze for hosting the meeting and supporting valuable discussions that continue to drive the project forward.]]></description>
		
		
		
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