Enerdrape expands to the US with flagship Chicago project

EPFL spin-off Enerdrape is deploying its geothermal panels at Chicago’s Millennium Parking Garages, marking a major step in its US expansion.

Enerdrape, the Vaud-based cleantech start-up behind the world’s first geothermal panel technology, is expanding into the United States with one of its most ambitious projects to date. The company is working on the Millennium Parking Garages in downtown Chicago, the largest public underground parking complex in North America with more than 9,000 spaces.

Founded in 2019 by Margaux Peltier and Alessandro F. Rotta Loria as a spin-off from EPFL, Enerdrape has developed prefabricated panels that transform underground structures into renewable energy sources. By harnessing shallow geothermal and residual thermal energy without drilling or direct soil contact, the technology enables sustainable heating and cooling in urban environments.

Momentum in New York and Chicago

Following installations in Switzerland and France, including a partnership with Engie Solutions, Enerdrape is now targeting the US market. According to co-founder and CTO Alessandro Rotta Loria, activities are particularly dynamic in New York and Chicago. In New York, feasibility assessments are underway in six major buildings, ranging from hotels to affordable housing complexes, as well as in two infrastructure projects. In Chicago, Enerdrape panels are being installed at the Millennium Garages site, demonstrating strong demand despite complex political and regulatory conditions.

CEO Margaux Peltier highlighted recent advances that strengthen the company’s international growth. These include compatibility with electric vehicle charging stations, new monitoring software to track performance and impact in real time, the consolidation of intellectual property with fresh patents, and market entry in France through strategic collaborations.

Scaling innovation internationally

Looking ahead, Enerdrape plans to diversify its applications, including cooling functions and large-scale deployment in urban tunnels. A Series A funding round is scheduled for 2026 to accelerate commercialization and expand operations.

The company also intends to establish a stronger local presence in the United States, partnering with academic and industrial actors to validate product–market fit and explore production options closer to North America. While panels are currently manufactured in Italy, scaling in the US may prompt a shift in production strategy.