Current research on aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) in Germany
Abstract This paper reviews the current research on aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) and mine thermal energy storage (MTES) in Germany providing descriptions of 3 low-temperature ATES (LT-ATES), 8 high-temperature ATES (HT-ATES), and 2 MTES research sites. While the overview reveals a diverse field of investigations spanning various spatial scales, research objectives, and methodologies, the predominant focus is limited to early-stage research with low technology readiness levels (TRL). The high number of HT-ATES research sites suggests greater research interest compared to LT-ATES. The integration of ATES into district heating (DH) grids in particular is a prominent research focus, yet almost none of the projects are specifically intended for practical implementation. Future research should therefore prioritize real-world demonstration projects and identify key locations, which is crucial for showcasing the benefits of ATES. The need for a streamlined regulatory framework that addresses environmental risks and ensures installation quality and efficient permit procedures is also discussed.
Authors
- Simona Regenspurg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4327-1439)
- Florian Hahn
- Stefan Kranz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7933-7225)
- Christof Beyer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2086-4362)
- Ingo Sass (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7008-2385)
- Ruben Stemmle (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4290-1694)
- Sebastian Bauer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5949-8120)
- Kai Zoßeder (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5317-3368)
- Elena Petrova (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8698-1617)
- Detlev Rettenmaier (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0723-6003)
- Maximilian Dörnbrack
- Guido Blöcher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8589-9742)
- Alireza Arab (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1999-3623)
- Claire Bossennec (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3227-4869)
- Traugott Scheytt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8939-5704)
- Niklas Scholliers (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4066-2466)
- Philip Jaeger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6342-7314)
- Max Ohagen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7962-9685)
- Kalliopi Tzoufka
- Haibing Shao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9214-8349)
- Ali Saadat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8628-0098)
- Philipp Blum (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7418-0954)
- Jan Niklas Nordheim
- Alexandra Mauerberger
Institutions
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (DE)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (DE)
- Université de Lille (FR)
- Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Kiel (DE)
- Technische Universität Darmstadt (DE)
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (DE)
- Blockheizkraftwerks- Träger- und Betreibergesellschaft (Germany) (DE)
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG (DE)
- European Institute for Energy Research (DE)
- GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (DE)
- Laboratoire d’Océanologie et de Géosciences (FR)
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (FR)
- Clausthal University of Technology (DE)
- Technische Universität Berlin (DE)
- Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (DE)
- TU Bergakademie Freiberg (DE)
- Technical University of Munich (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Grundwasser
- Published
- 2025-04-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00767-025-00590-3
- Citations
- 11
- Primary Topic
- Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.00
Funders
- Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
- Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
- HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme