Spacial Multi Criteria Analysis of UTES in development
Researchers from the University of Geneva are working on developing a Spacial Multi Criteria Analysis (SMCA) of UTES. This tool could help in the future in selecting sites for UTES. But what is an SMCA exactly, what can you do with it and how far along is the process? We asked Yasin Makhloufi and Andrea Moscariello from the University of Geneva.
What exactly is an SMCA?
An SMCA is essentially a decision-support tool that allows us to evaluate and rank the suitability of different areas for underground thermal energy storage systems. It combines multiple spatial datasets, for instance, geological, hydrogeological, and environmental information, and uses a structured approach to balance and weigh the different factors that influence site suitability. The outcome is a set of maps that highlight areas where conditions are most favourable for thermal storage technologies considered in PUSH-IT.
What is needed to make an SMCA?
To produce the SMCA, we rely on a broad range of data. This includes detailed geological and hydrogeological datasets, energy demand indicators, and surface constraints, all processed within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The method requires defining a series of criteria and assigning them relative weights, based on technical, environmental, and societal priorities discussed with the project partners.
What is the purpose of the SMCA?
The main purpose of the SMCA is to support decision-making in the planning and implementation of underground energy storage. Once completed, it can be used to guide site selection, inform regional energy strategies, and support discussions between planners, policymakers, and technical experts. It is also a communication tool that makes it easier to visualise the potential and constraints of underground resources in a transparent and scientifically grounded way.
Where in the process are you now?
At the moment, we are working on the selection and weighting of the different criteria together with other PUSH-IT partners. We are also waiting for the data generated on the different demo-sites to be integrated within the SMCA framework we developed at the University of Geneva. Once these steps are completed, we will proceed with the integration and modelling within the GIS environment. We expect to produce a first version of the maps next year, which will then be refined based on feedback from case study partners and other stakeholders.
PUSH-IT is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101096566.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
