Published: 19 May 2026 in the Special Issue Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS): Advances in Exploration, Thermal Storage, and Energy Utilization)
by Marziyeh Kamali (1), Erik Nickel (1), Rick Chalaturnyk (2) and Alireza Rangriz Shokri (2)
Abstract
Urban heating systems continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, driving significant CO2 emissions and underscoring the need for scalable renewable alternatives. This study evaluates a solar-assisted aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system for sustainable urban heating, operating within a relatively deep aquifer. A numerical model of the Mannville aquifer is developed to simulate charge–discharge cycles in a relatively deep open-loop ATES system, examining subsurface temperature evolution, storage efficiency, and long-term thermal stability under Canadian climatic conditions. Modeling results indicate that such aquifers act as an effective thermal buffer for solar energy storage operations, smoothing seasonal temperature fluctuations and stabilizing heat production. Surplus solar thermal energy injected during low-demand periods significantly reduces long-term temperature decline and preserves thermal availability for winter extraction. Balancing contributions from solar and aquifer storage maintains system efficiency during peak demand while improving overall thermal management. The integrated approach enhances renewable energy utilization, reduces reliance on conventional heating systems, and strengthens the resilience of urban energy networks. Our findings demonstrate that coupling solar thermal input with geothermal heat storage in relatively deep aquifers offers a practical pathway for advancing sustainable urban heating in cold-climate regions. The modeling framework provides a foundation for optimizing seasonal storage strategies and guiding the design of hybrid solar–geothermal systems for large-scale urban applications.
Keywords: seasonal aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES); solar thermal integration; aquifer heat buffering; hybrid solar–geothermal systems; sustainable urban heating; low-carbon energy systems
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(1) Petroleum Technology Research Centre, Regina, SK S4S 7J7, Canada
(2) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
This article is a revised and expanded version of a poster published in Kamali, M.; Rangriz Shokri, A.; Nickel, E.; Movahedzadeh, Z.; Jia, N.; Veawab, A.; Narayanasamy, R.; Chalaturnyk, R. Leveraging Aquifer Thermal Storage in Shallow Aquifers with Sustainable Low Temperature Resources. In Proceedings of the ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3–6 November 2025.