Shallow aquifers HT-ATES

Adding shallow aquifers

We are currently working on adding shallow aquifers to ThermoGIS, including the Oosterhout Formation and the Maassluis Formation. These datasets are still under development and may change as new data and insights become available. The ultimate goal is to perform HTO potential assessments for these aquifers, enabling a better evaluation of their suitability for large-scale underground heat storage.

First Maassluis and Oosterhout Formation maps based on REGIS

To provide an initial indication of the HTO potential of the Maassluis and Oosterhout Formations, we have developed preliminary potential maps using data from the regional hydrogeological model REGIS II v2.2. These maps are based on information from shallow boreholes and are therefore more uncertain in areas where borehole data are sparse, particularly for parts of the Maassluis and Oosterhout Formations.

As these maps are based on a different methodology and data source than the standard ThermoGIS layers, they are not included in the ThermoGIS Map Viewer. Instead, they are presented separately in the Storymap below.

Qualitative overview map

In addition, we are developing a qualitative HTO overview map that includes all relevant shallow aquifers from REGIS. This map will provide a first indication of the potential suitability of shallow aquifers for heat storage across the Netherlands. As a next step, these aquifers may be evaluated quantitatively using dedicated HTO calculations.

We are also working on adding point data from existing and planned HTO projects, giving users more insight into real-world applications and ongoing developments in underground heat storage.

Future developments – contribute your ideas!

• Improving regional hydrogeological models for intermediate depths (approximately 100–500 m).
• Adding additional aquifers to ThermoGIS-HTO.
• Enhancing HTO calculation methods, including improved screening criteria and estimates of maximum achievable flow rates.
• Incorporating uncertainty estimates (P-values) into HTO potential maps.
• Integrating a heat pump model into the ThermoGIS-HTO workflow.
• Developing an interactive application that allows users to contribute data and insights for improving HTO potential assessments.

Relevant documentation and background information

• The report describing the ThermoGIS-HTO application and example maps can be downloaded here: Vrijlandt at al. (2023). ThermoGIS-HTO: National High Temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage potential tool.
• The WINDOW Phase 1 report (the predecessor to the WarmingUP project), which presents a qualitative assessment of HTES potential, can be downloaded here: Dinkelman et al. (2020). B2 Potential and Application Conditions: Geological Model, Temperature Model for the Shallow Subsurface, and HTES Potential Maps for the Netherlands. (available in Dutch only)

Credits

• _{M. Vrijlandt, H. Veldkamp, J. Mos, M. Koenen, H. Brett, M. Andova, E. De Boever, D. Dinkelman, the WarmingUP (GOO) Project Team, and PIO Geothermal Energy.}
• _{This project was carried out as part of the WarmingUP Innovation Programme and PIO Geothermal Energy.}
• _{WarmingUP was co-funded through a grant from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) under the Multi-Annual Mission-Driven Innovation Programmes (MMIP) funding scheme (RVO project number TEUE819001). WarmingUP contributes to MMIP-4: Sustainable Heating and Cooling in the Built Environment, thereby supporting Mission B: A CO₂-free Built Environment by 2050.}
• _{PIO Geothermal Energy (Research and Subsurface Information Provision through ThermoGIS.nl with regard to national potential for geothermal energy and thermal energy storage) forms part of the TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO-GDN) task-funded programme for the Dutch government.}

Contact

Do you have any suggestions or questions about the ThermoGIS-HTO application or this page? If so, please get in touch with us via the contact form.