Company in the Spotlight: Gaia Energy
To realize all the goals of the PUSH-IT project, several companies are involved, from drilling the actual wells to the digital modelling of the system. In this series, we want to highlight some of those companies. Who are they? How do they contribute to the PUSH-IT project? What are their future plans ? In this edition: Gaia Energy.
What type of company is Gaia Energy (Aardyn B.V.)?
Aardyn B.V., operating under the name Gaia Energy (Gaia), is a geothermal energy company specialized in the development, realization, and operation of geothermal heat projects. The company operates across the full project lifecycle: from early-stage exploration and permitting to drilling, system integration, and long-term asset management. Gaia currently manages a strong project portfolio, with more than 25 geothermal projects under development, representing a combined potential of approximately 500 MW of sustainable heat capacity.
What does Gaia do in the PUSH‑IT project?
Within the PUSH‑IT project, Gaia plays an active, practice‑driven role, contributing to work packages on subsurface analysis, system integration, operational decision‑making, and communication and dissemination. We contribute practical experience from real geothermal developments, specifically on subsurface characteristics, system integration with heat networks, and operational decision-making. Our role helps translate research outcomes into implementable solutions, ensuring alignment with real-world project constraints and opportunities.
How do you see the market potential of UTES in the Netherlands / Europe?
The market potential for Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) in the Netherlands and across Europe is substantial. UTES enables seasonal storage of thermal energy, allowing surplus heat (for example from geothermal sources or industry) to be stored during summer and deployed in winter when demand peaks. Likewise, cold can be stored during winter for use in summer cooling. This flexibility makes UTES a key enabler for balancing renewable heat systems, improving security of supply, and increasing overall system efficiency. As heat networks scale up across Europe, UTES is expected to become an integral component of future energy systems.
What do potential customers think about large‑scale underground thermal energy storage?
Potential customers generally recognize the strategic value of large-scale underground thermal energy storage, particularly in terms of energy security, long-term cost optimization, and system resilience. At the same time, customers express concerns about relatively high upfront investment costs, technical complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and long development timelines. Clear business cases, proven reference projects, and stable policy frameworks are therefore essential to increase confidence and accelerate market adoption.
What lessons has Gaia learned so far during the PUSH‑IT project?
A key lesson from the PUSH‑IT project is that the success of UTES is not primarily determined by technology alone, but by system integration and stakeholder alignment. Early coordination between subsurface design, above‑ground infrastructure, and heat demand profiles is crucial. In addition, the project highlighted the importance of clear governance, realistic development timelines, and early engagement with public authorities and potential off‑takers to manage regulatory and societal risks effectively.
How could you put those lessons into practice?
Gaia applies these lessons by integrating UTES considerations at an early stage in geothermal and heat network developments. This includes aligning subsurface design with actual demand patterns, designing scalable systems, and involving key stakeholders early in the process. Furthermore, Gaia actively uses insights from PUSH‑IT to structure robust business cases, manage project risks proactively, and streamline permitting and decision‑making processes in new developments.
How could Gaia contribute to scaling up UTES throughout the country or Europe?
Gaia can contribute to scaling up UTES by developing and investing in new projects that combine geothermal production, thermal storage, and heat networks in an integrated manner. Leveraging its expertise in subsurface energy systems, Gaia focuses on optimizing system efficiency, reducing costs, and improving bankability. In addition, Gaia acts as a knowledge partner by sharing practical experience, supporting project design, and, where appropriate, taking on the role of long‑term operator to ensure reliable and efficient system performance.
PUSH-IT is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101096566.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
