Perth Laboratory – Public Seminar Series 2010

Implementation and recent research on Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems in The Netherlands

Dr Niels Hartog
Deltares, The Netherlands

*Monday 3 May 2010 at 3.30pm, CSIRO Auditorium

Abstract
In the search for alternative energy sources in The Netherlands, both geothermal and subsurface energy storage systems have received increasing attention and research funding. In this presentation an overview is given of the development of and research on geothermal and subsurface energy storage in The Netherlands. Particular focus will be on recent research on aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems.

ATES makes use of the seasonal variation in heat demand for indoor climate control and offers a great potential of saving fossil fuels. During the last two decades more than a 1000 ATES systems were implemented in The Netherlands. More recently, the national and municipal ambitions in reducing CO₂ emissions provides a driving force for a further rapid expansion. As retrofitting existing buildings with ATES systems is usually not cost-effective, ATES systems are mainly installed at greenfields or during the redevelopment of brownfields. Especially for the redevelopment of brownfields, questions arise how ATES systems affect (residual) soil and groundwater contamination present. Especially, chlorinated DNAPL contaminants such as PER (tetrachloroethene) and TRI (trichloroethene) can be present at the depths where ATES is commonly applied (>depth of 80 m below ground level). At these depths biological contaminant degradation processes generally result in slow reduction of these contaminant plumes. Although the ATES temperature, varying from 5 to 40 ^oC, could create “win-win”conditions by offering potential for increased contamination, there may also be increased risk of contaminant mobilisation and dissolution. Recently developed modeling abilities, allow for a sound evaluation of potential benefits and risks of ATES systems in contaminated soils and groundwater.

About the speaker
Dr Niels Hartog is an internationally oriented research professional active in research consultancy and R&D. His research interests are in the field of hydrogeochemistry, contaminant hydrology and in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater. He specializes in water-sediment interaction, and the interface of organic-inorganic chemistry of natural and contaminated aquifer systems. On these topics he regularly gives lectures at Wageningen and Utrecht Universities, The Netherlands.

Dr Hartog currently works as a hydrogeochemist for Deltares – a Dutch independent research institute for water, soil and subsurface issues. His current focus is providing solutions in the field of soil and (ground/drinking) water quality, such as in-situ contaminant remediation, aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR).

*This seminar is scheduled for a Monday instead of the usual Thursday

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