Indicator of suitability for evaluating the aquifer thermal energy storage using the GIS-based MCDA technique in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin

Thermal energy is one of the eco-friendly sources of energy used worldwide for storing heat and cold between seasons. The aquifer thermal energy storage system effectively reduces carbon dioxide emission gas in the Halabja governorate. It is an economical way to be used in cooling and heating applications. This study evaluates the suitability of aquifer thermal energy storage in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin. Six critical criteria were selected: the type of aquifers, groundwater recharge, fresh/saline groundwater, groundwater quality, seepage velocity, and mean annual temperature by applying decision-maker judgment. The hydrogeological and climate criteria analysis combination has a consistency ratio of 0.008 in AHP. As a result, the Aquifer thermal energy storage suitability map in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin displays a surface area of 62.1% as strongly suitable, 7.7% as suitable in northern and southern parts, 29.2% as weakly suitable in southwestern, east, southeast, and northeast, and 1% as not suitable for aquifer thermal energy storage system.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the suitability of aquifer thermal energy storage in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin and 62.1% of the area is found to be strongly suitable for this system.