FlexGeo aims to develop innovative geothermal energy system designs for maximized systems performance and flexibility. Pathing the way for the market entry of commercial modular reversible ORC systems will be, together with advanced smart control strategies and operational tools, the backbone of our concept. The proposed key-innovations will make geothermal systems more flexible, more efficient, more economically viable and adaptable for an implementation and market update across Europe and beyond. A modular rev. 200 kWel ORC unit with advanced control strategies and operational tool will be installed and demonstrated at a real district heating system at the TUM Campus in Garching, Germany. The first-time demonstration of this innovative technology on a TRL 7 level will directly path the way to its market entry after the project, since due to the attractive modular approach, the demonstrator already has the same capacity as the future commercial product. Furthermore, innovative geothermal system designs considering high- and low-temperature Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) systems, advanced closed-loop systems (AGS) and enhanced flexibility of district heating (DH) and district cooling (DC) networks (DHCN), are pathing the way to a broad spread of the FlexGeo solutions across Europe and the world, resulting in largescale CO2 emission reductions.

SUN-TRANS is a multi-partner, Europe-wide initiative designed to transform urban and commercial fleets by integrating Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV), high-efficiency power electronics, and AI-driven fleet orchestration into electric buses and last-mile delivery vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles and vans account for a disproportionate share of transport emissions—up to 39%—despite numbering far fewer than passenger cars. SUN-TRANS addresses this gap by developing semi-transparent, curved, and colored VIPV modules, designed for both e-bus rooftops and last-mile EVs, backed by advanced encapsulation materials that endure vibration, UV, and harsh climates. These modules pair with multiport, wide-bandgap power converters, ensuring over 98% efficiency under real-world shading and load variations. Partners will demonstrate integrated solutions in three distinct pilot sites—Izmir (Türkiye), Alba Iulia (Romania), and Bilbao (Spain)—covering diverse climates and operational demands. Through an AI-driven platform built on Siemens’s DepotFinity and EnergyIP, SUN-TRANS coordinates real-time solar charging, route optimization, and grid services like peak shaving and demand response, slashing operational costs by up to 30%. By merging cutting-edge technology with streamlined manufacturing (BOZ, MUSO), the project aims to scale VIPV adoption, lowering cycle-time overhead below 5% and meeting UNECE automotive standards for safety and reliability. Life-cycle assessments (AMBI) confirm eco-efficiency and social acceptance, while municipalities (Izmir, Alba Iulia) and Bizkaigar (Bilbao) validate real-world performance. Ultimately, SUN-TRANS delivers replicable business models (R2M) for public transport and last-mile operators, catalyzing investor interest via robust ROI data and strategic financing pathways. In doing so, SUN-TRANS advances Europe’s transition to low-carbon mobility, unlocking solar’s untapped potential in bus depots and delivery fleets