Drivers to allow widespread adoption of ATES systems
a reflection on 40 years experience in The Netherlands
Martin Bloemendal (KWR Water Research Institute, TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Martin van der Schans (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences, KWR Water Research Institute)
Stijn Beernink (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences, KWR Water Research Institute)
Niels Hartog (KWR Water Research Institute)
Philip J. Vardon (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
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Abstract
Heating and cooling of buildings accounts for ~25% of the primary energy end use, hence is critical to decarbonize. In many climatic conditions heating and cooling systems can be decarbonized using seasonal thermal energy storage to overcome the mis-match in availability and demand [1], with Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) being an example system (see Figure 1). ATES systems are relatively cheap, require limited above ground space, and can reduce primary energy use by ~50% and gas by 80-100%. In the Netherlands, adoption of ATES systems is high [2], with over 3000 systems in place. As an early adoptor, the Netherlands has around 40 years of experience. Since suitable conditions are present across the world [1], many other countries are making plans for large-scale adoption. ATES adoption in the Netherlands has been a great success story, which has developed due to key enabling policies. Depending on local conditions these policies could be simply adopted, but could also require adaptations. This paper provides an overview of key drivers for high adoption rate and successful exploitation of ATES in the Netherlands.
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