After several months of preparation, the SYNERGYS - Energy Synergy Systems project was awarded a subsidy from the Ministry of the Environment at the end of June 2024. The project has been running since 1 January 2023 at the RINGEN research centre in Litoměřice. The subsidy of 95% of the total cost, which amounts to CZK 1,208.7 million, has been granted under the Operational Programme "Just Transformation 2021-2027" and is co-financed by the European Union. In addition to the main beneficiary, which is Charles University - Faculty of Science, the subsidy will be distributed among five other partners. These include the Czech Geological Survey, the Czech Technical University in Prague, the Geophysical Institute of the CAS, the City of Litoměřice and the Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem.
The aim of the Project is to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy system, to implement a set of experimental energy sources including shallow and deep geothermal energy in conjunction with solar energy and hydrogen as a system integrator, and to increase the share of these sources in the production and storage of thermal and electrical energy. Furthermore, the Project aims to identify technical, technological, economic, social and environmental barriers to the use of geothermal energy and other innovative sources and contribute to their elimination, and to develop awareness of various aspects of energy transformation through education, awareness raising and communication with the public.
The project will also contribute to the adaptation of the Ústí nad Labem Region to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This involves not only technological challenges, but also impact on employment, the need to create and prepare existing and future employees for new job positions, or to ensure that new sources are safe and environmentally friendly. Within Europe, the project then focuses on achieving the Union's energy and climate goals for 2030 and a climate-neutral Union economy by 2050.
It is also important for local residents in Litoměřice that some of the energy not used for scientific purposes can be fed into Energie Holding's district heating system, which will contribute to long-term price stabilisation and further greening of the entire system. You can come and hear and discuss the future plans on 31 October 2024 at the Litomerice Castle.
