| Title | HT-ATES for Seasonal Storage of Surplus Solar Energy at Utrecht University Science Park |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fred Beekman |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | HT-ATES, solar energy, reprocessed seismic data, stratigraphic interpretation, reservoir characterisation, pre-drill derisking |
| Abstract | To reduce its carbon footprint, Utrecht University is planning to replace fossil fuel heat sources with sustainable solar parks. The seasonal mismatch between solar power supply (summer) and heat demand (winter) could be resolved by using a heat pump that converts excess solar power into heat and storing the heat at high temperatures in aquifers, from which the heat can be recovered in winter. The aquifers beneath the Utrecht University Science Park (USP) have promising potential for HT-ATES but had to be geologically characterised in more detail. In a pilot study, 2D seismic data was reprocessed to increase the resolution of the uppermost 500 metres. Interpretation of the reprocessed seismic data resulted in an improved geological model that revealed the presence of a prograding series of shallow clinoform structures. The interpretation also showed that the targeted aquifer lies in a different stratigraphic unit than previously assumed and could be divided into several sub-units separated by clay layers with different hydraulic properties. The seismic interpretation of deep-seated faults beneath the USP led to the recommendation to adjust the planned location of the HT-ATES wells to reduce the seismic hazard. Hydrological modelling of the HT-ATES wells shows that seasonal variations in aquifer pressure will remain within safe limits and that potential swelling of the clay will result in negligible uplift or subsidence of the USP surface. The results demonstrate the added value of structural and stratigraphic interpretation of reprocessed legacy oil and gas seismic data for HT-ATES reservoir characterisation and pre-drill derisking. |