Scientific achievements and regulation of shallow geothermal systems in six European countries – A review

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 68; pp. 934 - 952
• Main Authors: Somogyi, Viola, Sebestyén, Viktor, Nagy, Georgina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2017
• Subjects: Ground source heat pump; Groundwater heat pump; Legislation; Minimum distance; Shallow geothermal energy; Temperature threshold; Minimum distance; Shallow geothermal energy; Temperature threshold; Legislation; Groundwater heat pump; Ground source heat pump
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.02.014

The aim of this paper is to review the recent scientific literature concerning geothermal heat pumps and the existing regulations and/or technical guidelines in selected European countries. Focus was put on the environmental effects caused by open- and closed-loop vertical systems. Research was narrowed down to authors with affiliations in the European Union and scientific results of five countries were discussed in detail. Legislation is viewed in perspective of the scientific findings.
Numerous articles were found that may provide valuable information for improving the existing regulations and recommendations. Performance issues correlate with negative environmental effects therefore solutions for efficient operation support sustainability, too. However, licensing procedures are versatile and new research results seem not to be implemented in the rules.
A legislative framework is suggested on a European Union level that gives a unified definition of shallow geothermal systems, preferably on enthalpy basis, and lays down the principles of permitting process and criteria for sustainable GHP systems based on scientific results tolerating differences due to local geological and hydrogeological properties. A clear distinction of low-risk systems is desirable to aid the simplification of administrative procedure.