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Shallow subsurface heat recycling is a sustainable global space heating alternative

Author

Listed:
  • Susanne A. Benz

    (Dalhousie University, Centre for Water Resources Studies)

  • Kathrin Menberg

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Applied Geosciences)

  • Peter Bayer

    (Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Applied Geology)

  • Barret L. Kurylyk

    (Dalhousie University, Centre for Water Resources Studies)

Abstract

Despite the global interest in green energy alternatives, little attention has focused on the large-scale viability of recycling the ground heat accumulated due to urbanization, industrialization and climate change. Here we show this theoretical heat potential at a multi-continental scale by first leveraging datasets of groundwater temperature and lithology to assess the distribution of subsurface thermal pollution. We then evaluate subsurface heat recycling for three scenarios: a status quo scenario representing present-day accumulated heat, a recycled scenario with ground temperatures returned to background values, and a climate change scenario representing projected warming impacts. Our analyses reveal that over 50% of sites show recyclable underground heat pollution in the status quo, 25% of locations would be feasible for long-term heat recycling for the recycled scenario, and at least 83% for the climate change scenario. Results highlight that subsurface heat recycling warrants consideration in the move to a low-carbon economy in a warmer world.

Suggested Citation

  • Susanne A. Benz & Kathrin Menberg & Peter Bayer & Barret L. Kurylyk, 2022. "Shallow subsurface heat recycling is a sustainable global space heating alternative," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-31624-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31624-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Tiansheng & Liu, Chun & Bayer, Peter & Zhang, Liwei & Gong, Xulong & Gu, Kai & Shi, Bin, 2022. "City-wide monitoring and contributing factors to shallow subsurface temperature variability in Nanjing, China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 1105-1115.

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