Potential of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems in Europe

Decarbonising the heating and cooling sector is essential for reducing our global CO₂ emissions. One possibility to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission savings in space heating and cooling is the application of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems. Hence, this study will provide an overview on the technical potential of ATES systems in Europe. Important criteria for efficient ATES operation considered in this assessment encompass suitable hydrogeological conditions, such as aquifer productivity and groundwater flow velocity, and balanced space heating and cooling demands. Hence, this talk will provide an overview of the future potential of ATES systems in Europe including the chances and barriers for adoption with such systems, which can play an important part in achieving our ambitious climate targets. General aquifer availability and climatic conditions showed potential across Europe about 10 years ago. However, adoption outside a few regions such as the Netherlands and Denmark remained limited. More detailed potential studies confirmed potential in the UK, Spain and Germany. In Germany, more than 50% of the area is suitable for the application of LT-ATES systems. Furthermore, in northern Germany, we could identify key locations for the deployment of LT-ATES by estimating the cooling demand of hospitals with aerial images. Finally, the talk will provide a shortcoming analysis for an improved deployment of ATES systems in Europe and the need for more detailed potential analysis for specific regions.