Transforming Abandoned Hydrocarbon Fields into Heat Storage Solutions: A Hungarian Case Study Using Enhanced Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis–Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geostatistical Methods

Hawkar Ali Abdulhaq (), János Geiger, István Vass, Tivadar M. Tóth, Tamás Medgyes and János Szanyi
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Hawkar Ali Abdulhaq: Department of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrology, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
János Geiger: GEOCHEM Ltd., 7673 Kővágószőlős, Hungary
István Vass: MOL Hungary, MOL Plc, SZEAK épület 2.em 207.sz., 6701 Algyő, Hungary
Tivadar M. Tóth: Department of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrology, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
Tamás Medgyes: Geothermal Energy Applied Research Department, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
János Szanyi: Geothermal Energy Applied Research Department, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-23

Abstract: This study introduces a robust methodology utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to repurpose abandoned hydrocarbon fields for energy storage, supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. We use a geostatistical approach integrated with Python scripting to analyze reservoir parameters—including porosity, permeability, thickness, lithology, temperature, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity—from a decommissioned hydrocarbon field in Southeast Hungary. Our workflow leverages stochastic simulation data to identify potential zones for energy storage, categorizing them into high-, moderate-, and low-suitability scenarios. This innovative approach provides rapid and precise analysis, enabling effective decision-making for energy storage implementation in depleted fields. The key finding is the development of a methodology that can quickly and accurately assess the feasibility of repurposing abandoned hydrocarbon reservoirs for underground thermal energy storage, offering a practical solution for sustainable energy transition.

Keywords: geothermal energy; Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES); abandoned underground heat storage; hydrocarbon fields; Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA); data modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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