The HOCLOOP consortium gathered at the University of Florence for the project’s 4th General Assembly — two days of discussion, collaboration, and hands-on exploration of how to bring the HOCLOOP technology closer to real-world application.
The meeting featured an Innovation and Exploitation Seminar, sessions on sustainability aspects and business models, and a visit to UNIFI’s CO₂ Test Bench, where partners observed a live demonstration of alternative fluids used in the HOCLOOP closed-loop geothermal system.
The discussions focused on how to transform project results into practical, scalable solutions for low-emission heating. While cost and long return on investment remain common challenges in geothermal energy, HOCLOOP’s closed-loop design eliminates the need for water reservoirs. This enables operation at shallower depths and in less conventional sites, expanding access to geothermal heat and making the technology more adaptable and cost-efficient.
The General Assembly also provided a valuable opportunity for partners to reflect on progress, strengthen collaboration, and define the way forward as the project moves closer to demonstrating its full potential.
A special thank you to the Università degli Studi di Firenze team — and especially to Professor Daniele Fiaschi — for hosting this inspiring meeting and for their warm hospitality.
