Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage within a groundwater protection area: Possible interactions between competing subsurface activities

This study investigates the interaction between groundwater extraction and Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems, aiming to optimize subsurface resource use sustainably. As demands on the subsurface grow, energy storage and groundwater extraction conflicts could impact efficiency, safety, and environmental quality [1]. Using a synthetic model based on the Grobbendonk extraction zone in Belgium, the research simulates groundwater flow and heat transport, focusing on the impact of varying distances between ATES and groundwater wells. The results reveal that proximity affects both groundwater temperature and ATES thermal recovery efficiency, with efficiency ranging from 35% at the closest distance (120 m) to 80% at the farthest (1900 m). Despite some temperature changes at close proximity, the findings open discussions about the potential co-location of ATES systems and groundwater extraction activities. This approach could expand the applicability of ATES closer to groundwater extraction wells while maintaining water quality and thermal efficiency.

We discuss the impact of the research results on policy and different management scenarios in Belgium.

References

[1] Deleersnyder, W., Tas, L., Szwoch, D., & Hermans, T. (2024, November). Exploring Interactions between Groundwater Extraction and Shallow Geothermal Energy to Use the Subsurface Optimally and Sustainably. In Fifth EAGE Global Energy Transition Conference & Exhibition (GET 2024) (Vol. 2024, No. 1, pp. 1-4). European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers.