With a volume of 300,000 cubic meters, an old oil depot transforms into a giant thermos, heating an entire city in Sweden and potentially changing the way energy is stored worldwide.

Written by Flavia Marinho

Published on 27/03/2026 at 23:32

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Old oil depot starts functioning as heat storage, allowing energy to be stored in the form of hot water and heating thousands of residents for several consecutive days

An old oil depot in Sweden is being transformed into something unexpected. The site is now functioning as a large heat storage system, capable of heating an entire city. The idea draws attention because it prevents energy waste. Instead of losing excess heat, it is stored for use when the city truly needs it.

The information was released by Reuters, a reliable global news agency. The project is taking place in Västerås, a city with about 130,000 residents.

Simple idea transforms heat into “reserve” for cold days

The operation is easier to understand than it seems. The system stores heat in the same way a thermos keeps coffee hot.

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Giant space equals thousands of full swimming pools

The size of the site is impressive and helps to understand the impact of the project. The caverns have a total volume of 300,000 cubic meters, excavated in the 1970s.

To visualize better, this is equivalent to about 6,000 full backyard swimming pools. It is an enormous amount of water that can be kept hot.

The capacity reaches approximately 13 GWh of energy, enough to supply heating for several consecutive days.

City can stay warm for days even without producing heat

The system creates a kind of reserve ready for immediate use. This brings more security during periods of intense cold.

On very cold days, the stored heat can last up to an entire week. In milder periods, it can last about two weeks.

Cogeneration plants, like the one in Västerås, manage to utilize up to **90% of the energy used**, reducing waste and increasing system efficiency

Reuters, a reliable global news agency, highlighted that this reduces the use of extra plants that use polluting fuels.

Old oil depot gains a new function without needing to build everything from scratch

The site already existed and had been abandoned since it stopped storing oil. Now, it is undergoing adaptations to fulfill a new function.

Pipes are being installed to carry heat in and out. Concrete areas are also being created to completely seal the caverns.

This repurposing prevents waste and utilizes a space that was already available, without the need for new excavations.

Solution helps tackle one of the biggest challenges in energy

Storing energy for later use is still a problem in many countries. What is produced is not always used at the same moment.

This type of solution allows for better utilization of what has already been generated. Thus, less energy is lost over time.

The project shows how simple ideas can have a direct impact on daily life. Especially in places where the cold demands a lot of heating.

The transformation of the old depot thus creates a large reserve of heat ready for use. This helps reduce costs and also dependence on more polluting sources.

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With a volume of 300,000 cubic meters, an old oil depot transforms into a giant thermos, heating an entire city in Sweden and potentially changing the way energy is stored worldwide.

Old oil depot starts functioning as heat storage, allowing energy to be stored in the form of hot water and heating thousands of residents for several consecutive days

Simple idea transforms heat into “reserve” for cold days

Giant space equals thousands of full swimming pools

City can stay warm for days even without producing heat

Old oil depot gains a new function without needing to build everything from scratch

Solution helps tackle one of the biggest challenges in energy

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With a volume of 300,000 cubic meters, an old oil depot transforms into a giant thermos, heating an entire city in Sweden and potentially changing the way energy is stored worldwide.

Old oil depot starts functioning as heat storage, allowing energy to be stored in the form of hot water and heating thousands of residents for several consecutive days

Simple idea transforms heat into “reserve” for cold days

Giant space equals thousands of full swimming pools

City can stay warm for days even without producing heat

Old oil depot gains a new function without needing to build everything from scratch

Solution helps tackle one of the biggest challenges in energy

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