Task 38- Ground Source De-Icing and Snow Melting Systems for Infrastructure_ Subtask 4: Planning, construction, and monitoring_Deliverable 4.1: Mapping of demonstration and existing plants

Report, 2025

This report presents the findings of subtask 4.1 from the IEA ECES Task 38, "Ground Source De-Icing and Snow Melting Systems for Infrastructure," with focus on mapping current applications and analyzing demonstration plants utilizing ground source thermal energy The study spans from 2021 to 2024, intending to promote ground source heat as sustainable alternatives to traditional de-icing and snow-melting systems based on electrical heating and fossil fuel. The report employs the national reports and the information about existing demonstration projects in Subtask 1, to provide a comprehensive overview of existing technologies and to identify future development needs.

The general mapping covers de-icing and snow-melting systems in seven participating countries: Sweden, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, and Japan. It reveals that the majority of systems currently rely on conventional electrical heating methods, primarily using cables and mats. While hydronic heated pavement systems are also present, they are less common and mainly used in selective applications. Among those using hydronic heated pavement systems, only a limited number are powered by ground sources, with most still relying on district heating or other conventional energy sources such as natural gas boilers. Increasingly, there is a shift toward integrating more renewable energy sources in these technologies, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. To expand the use of these renewable sources, the implementation of temporary and seasonal thermal storage solutions, such as borehole thermal energy storage, is identified as crucial for ensuring energy availability during winter season and peak demand periods.

The specific mapping of demonstration plants highlights various innovative systems that incorporate ground source energy. Projects like HERO in Sweden and HEAL in Belgium demonstrate the potential of ground source hydronic heated pavement systems for de-icing and snow-melting, rather than electrical heating to reduce environmental impact and operational costs. Despite the success of these pilots, challenges remain in optimizing heat storage, improving response times, and scaling these systems for large infrastructure applications such as highways, airports, and railway systems.

The report concludes that while significant progress has been made, further research and development are required to enhance the scalability, efficiency, and real-time control of these systems. Expanding the use of ground source energy in de-icing and snow-melting applications offers considerable potential for reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Additionally, new market opportunities are emerging in areas such as sports facilities, railway switches, and off-grid infrastructure, where ground source systems can provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution.