Possible uses of groundwater heat pumps

Groundwater heat pumps use the thermal energy stored in the groundwater directly by opening up a near-surface groundwater storey via a delivery well and an injection well. The permeability and yield of the aquifer to be used influence the dimensioning and profitability of the well and the heat pump. The more productive an aquifer, the more water and thus heat or coolness can be extracted. The chemical properties of the groundwater can affect the lifespan of the extraction and injection wells and the heat pump. This applies in particular to iron and manganese (foul clogging) as well as pH, magnesium and sulphate (concrete aggressiveness). This map gives an initial overview of the possible uses of near-surface geothermal energy using groundwater heat pumps. The classification shows at which locations the construction and operation of a groundwater heat pump is likely to be possible, likely not to be possible or at which an individual assessment must be carried out by the water authority. The data set represents a basis for large-scale observations and does not replace detailed investigations.