The theoretical potential for large-scale underground thermal energy storage (UTES) within the UK

J.G Gluyas,C.A Adams,I.A.G Wilson

doi:10.1016/j.egyr.2020.12.006

J.G Gluyas, C.A Adams + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2020.12.006

Copy DOI

Journal: Energy Reports	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2020
Citations: 24	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Durham University, University of Birmingham

Abstract

Large scale storage of heat is critical for the successful decarbonisation of the UK’s energy mix and for grid-balancing. Heat generation currently accounts for 50% of all energy use in the UK and most of this is produced by burning fossil natural gas. Heat is regarded as a single-use commodity, discarded or dissipated when not required in summer yet a lifesaving necessity during the colder winter months. Here we estimate the theoretical potential capacities for the storage of heat in the subsurface using aquifers and flooded mines, with a consideration of seasonal storage of heat in particular. We set this against the theoretical potential volumes of waste heat and solar thermal energy that could be exploited. This contributes to the wider knowledge base of the capacity of different forms of energy storage available through other means and highlights the potential for the UK.Our calculations indicate that the theoretical potential for large-scale underground thermal-energy storage in the UK is substantial, much larger than which might ever be needed and the location of such storage is well matched to the places where people live and work and therefore where the demand for heat occurs.

Highlights

The aim of this study was to examine what potential exists in the UK for underground, thermal energy storage (UTES) in geological storage facilities including a variety of aquifers and abandoned, flooded mines
We have identified a significant quantity of waste heat and solar energy that could be stored in these locations
The mismatch between the solar resource in the UK in the summer, the vastly increased demand in winter for heat and the significant but variable sources of waste heat available suggest that seasonal storage will be an essential component of a future balanced, low-carbon energy supply system

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine what potential exists in the UK for underground, thermal energy (heat) storage (UTES) in geological storage facilities including a variety of aquifers and abandoned, flooded mines. Increases in hydro pumped storage is limited by the number of appropriate sites, but electrochemical storage is expected to become the technology with the largest power and energy capacity once the deployment and vehicle to grid control of millions of electric vehicles has happened. These areas have been the focus of innovation and deployment for many years. The concept shown here develops further the idea presented by Van Ree and van Beukering (2016) of ‘Geosystem Services’ in which the capacity of the subsurface to supply materials (including energy) for human use needs to be balanced against the impact of use in

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion