WPT2

In the frame of the 2nd work package methodology for the collection and analysis of hydrogeological and geological information relevant for selecting suitable MAR sites in Central Europe (CE) are developed.
With predefined selection criteria, it is possible to exclude areas that are not suitable for MAR technologies because of geological and hydrogeological conditions, and in the case of suitable areas, a suitability order can be defined.

Firstly: Special hydrogeological and geological selection criteria were developed for selected MAR types as their requirements are different. In the DEEPWATER-CE project, the following MAR types were investigated, as they seem to be most promising for the CE region:

• infiltration pond,
• induced river/lake bank infiltration,
• aquifer storage, and recovery,
• recharge dam, underground dam,
• infiltration ditches.

During the selection of potential MAR locations, it is very important to gather essential information with respect to geological and hydrogeological aspects due to the fact that we are willing to use sub-surface formations to store surface and/or groundwater for later use.
In these reports, we share how to go through the methodology, the parameter sets, and the selection criteria that are relevant for CE countries on a general and specific level.

Secondly, other reports have been prepared to present existing climatic models and scenarios, as well as a methodological background. The latter defines climate exposure as selection criteria for determining regions where MAR will be most needed in the future.

In the reports, 4 regional climate simulations were assessed from the EURO-CORDEX database to describe the expected changes of the Central European (CE) region’s climate.
The simulations applied 2 emission scenarios; a relatively optimistic (RCP4.5) and a pessimistic one (RCP8.5). Key climatological parameters to analyze expected climate change in relation to water retention purposes are temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration. Based on these parameters, climatic water balance can be determined, which provides information on the water supply of a region, and is considered as the climate exposure indicator within our project.

Based on climatic water balance values calculated for the CE region, 4 climate exposure categories were defined. A set of maps showing the territorial variations of exposure has been prepared to demonstrate the direction and extension of the expected changes in the periods of 2021–2050 and 2071–2100, compared to 1971-2000.