Assessment of the potential for low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (LT-ATES) in Poland

Abstract

Low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (LT-ATES) is a growing heat management method in western and northern Europe, which enables underground storage of thermal energy utilizing groundwater. The Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, in collaboration with the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the AGH University of Science and Technology, jointly undertook a comprehensive investigation into the hydrogeological potential for deploying LT-ATES technology in Poland. The two-year project titled "Preliminary assessment of thermal energy storage potential in aquifers in Poland", enabled the evaluation of major usable aquifers based on LT-ATES boundary conditions specific to Poland. A number of hydraulic parameters were carefully assessed, including as most critical: depth to the top of the aquifer; potential yield from a single well; and groundwater velocity. Finally, the total area identified as suitable for LT-ATES in Poland is ~141,000 km², representing around 45% of the country's territory. A classification of LT-ATES potential based on the estimated heating and cooling capacities indicated that ~19% of Poland is suitable for large-scale ATES systems and another 20% of the country has conditions that may offer high capacities but their hydraulic regime is comparatively less favourable.