Two variants of GeoSmart technology meeting the different flexibility needs of low- and high-enthalpy CHP (combined heat and power) provision are in development and the first demonstration will be high-enthalpy CHP.

The first GeoSmart project is planned to be demonstrated in Kızıldere field which is the home to the oldest geothermal power plant in Turkey. Zorlu Energy is planning to increase its power plant availability and efficiency with the demonstration of thermal energy storage systems and increasing the heat extraction from the reservoir by decreasing the injection temperatures.

"GeoSmart project seems to be one of the very innovative solutions to compensate the need for peak hours in the grid with the addition of thermal energy storage systems that is capable of discharging the steam/brine in the need of excess electricity in the grid. Zorlu Energy is very eager to share its long-term geothermal experience with the partners coming through all Europe," said a spokesman for Zorlu Energy.