Evaluating the global potential of aquifer thermal energy storage and determining the potential worldwide hotspots driven by socio-economic, geo-hydrologic and climatic conditions

Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) technology has become a hotspot and urgent topic, given the increasing severity of carbon dioxide emissions and resource depletion. However, its sustainable development and effective application call for precise evaluation of the potential of ATES on a global scale. This study evaluates the global potential of ATES and finds out the potential hotspots for its application. It is a worldwide evaluation with consideration of socio-economic, geo-hydrological, climate, and groundwater factors. Results display where ATES is likely placed or has the potential for application, which show that nearly 7% of the region is a “very good” ATES prospect zone, 20% is a “good” zone, 34% is a “moderate” zone, 27% is a “poor” zone, and nearly 12% is a “very poor” zone. The combination of potential and urban maps presents potential cities suitable for large-scale application of ATES. Moreover, the evaluation results are consistent with the current development conditions of ATES. Such an evaluation is expected to provide policy recommendations for governments and stimulate ATES application to meet energy-saving and emission reduction targets.