Impacts of Shallow Geothermal Energy on Groundwater Quality

Geothermal Energy / Related Environmental Issues

Date posted: 12/17/13

Matthijs Bonte presents the results of a hydrochemical and geomicrobial study of the effects of ground source heat pumps and aquifer thermal energy storage. The lack of a clear and scientifically underpinned risk-oriented management strategy implies that potentially unwanted risks might currently be taken at vulnerable locations such as near well fields used for drinking-water production, whilst at other sites the application of SGE is avoided without proper reasons. We have recognized three main issues that should be addressed to secure sustainable application of SGE - 1. Scientific research is required to further elucidate the impacts of SGE on groundwater, 2. Cross-sectional subsurface planning is required to minimize negative conflicts between SGE and other subsurface interests, and 3. EU wide guidelines and standards are required for quality assurance and control when installing a SGE system.