The future disruptive technology envisioned in “Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenics gas for geothermal energy exploitation (DeepU)” Project is expected to revolutionize the deep geothermal energy sector. The ultimate goal is to create a deep (>4 km) closed-loop connection in the shape of a U-tube exchanger, combining laser and cryogenic gas in a single technological drilling solution. Specific temperature control analysis and innovative laser lenses able to convey the heat and to sustain multilateral drilling will be developed alongside the U-tube creation, guaranteeing liquefaction and vitrification of the rocks from ground surface to greater depths. Then, a U-tube system ready to exchange heat with the underground becomes the main tool to exploit or store geothermal energy, meeting energy needs in power and thermal energy production. Hence, DeepU project targets a novel and ambitious science-to technology breakthrough in the field of geothermal exploitation. The overall aim is the creation in laboratory of a vitrified, waterproof, non-cracked U-tube exchanger for different kind of rocks. This will be achieved by a laser drill head combined with special drill strings sustaining the coupled action of laser and cryogenic gas, responsible for melting, evaporating and cooling even the hardest rocks. Then, (i) the physical-thermal phenomena affecting the rocks, (ii) an evaluation of the legislative aspects and environmental standard related to the innovation proposed, (iii) the modelling of the DeepU geothermal exploitation potential considering some virtual case studies will be assessed. The high-risk innovation proposed has the potential to make geothermal energy systems accessible anywhere in a targeted and demand-oriented manner, offering a complimentary approach and an alternative solution to traditional energy storage and production, decentralizing the power supply also in areas where this is currently deemed uneconomic.

The basic idea is to embed the waste from building demolition (fragmented bricks, fragmented plaster or concrete, fragmented glasses, machined wood from windows frame or from wood beams after demolition etc.) in a geopolymer matrix to produce prefabricated panels for different use. The main objective of InnoWEE is in fact the development of an optimized reuse of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) materials producing high add value prefabricated insulating and radiating panels to be used in energy efficient buildings. The proposal is based on: 1) Recovery, selection and disassembling of CDW that will be characterized and eventually treated to yield suitable raw materials to be used for production of prefabricated components. 2) Development of new high performance prefabricated insulating geopolymeric panels for building walls envelopes and radiating panels for indoor wall and ceilings with low environmental impact, low embodied energy, low CO2 emissions, high thermal performance. Panels will be fabricated recycling cement, bricks, mortars, glass and wood reaching at least 30% of CDW. 3) To install the panels in demo sites characterized by different climate to evaluate their performance in terms of reducing energy use and minimizing environmental impacts. 4) To use an integrated design process and a holistic approach for the whole life cycle of the materials and components and produce a material that is cost effective, competitive, robust, reliable and low maintenance. 5) To create practical and sustainable building solutions that are easy to integrate into building designs, easy to install, take in consideration the needs of the stakeholders that strongly influence the market, and have been tested to meet all the current standards.