From 20 to 24 April 2026, Elisa took part in an international training event organised by the COST Action FOLIAGE in Grottaminarda, Italy. FOLIAGE (European network for Fostering Large-scale Implementation of energy GEostructures) brings together researchers and professionals to advance the large-scale implementation of energy geostructures.
The event was hosted at INGV, a site of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, where seismic signals from across Italy are collected and analysed in real time. For the approximately 40 participants from the fields of energy geostructures, energy planning, geothermal energy and solar energy, however, the focus was on a different challenge: developing an energy concept for a planned campus extension with six new buildings on pile foundations.
The three-day programme combined expert presentations with intensive group work on campus energy planning. The aim was to design a sustainable energy system based on a 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Network. The event highlighted the significant potential of energy geostructures for future heating and cooling supply, while also showing that they require highly integrated and careful planning.
In addition to the conceptual work, the programme included technical site visits, including a drilling site for a seismic borehole and a construction site featuring energy piles. Cultural impressions of the region and lively international exchange rounded off the week, making it a professionally and personally enriching experience.
