Sustainability indicator for evaluating the ATES system in Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin NE-Iraq using GIS-based MCDA method

Abstract Thermal energy is utilized as an environmentally friendly energy source for seasonal heat and cold storage on a global scale. Specifically, the aquifer thermal energy storage system is highlighted for being cost-effective in cooling and heating applications. The study assesses the sustainability of the aquifer thermal energy storage in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin by evaluating six critical criteria: groundwater transmissivity, groundwater temperature, groundwater discharge, groundwater chemistry, population density, and per capita GDP. A multi-criteria decision analysis judgment is applied to analyze all criteria, resulting in a consistency ratio of 0.3% in the analytical hierarchy process. Consequently, the sustainability map for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin for heating reveals that 26.45% of the area is strongly sustainable located in the north and southwestern part of the sub-basin, 73.53% is moderate in the east, central, southeast, and southern regions, 0.02% is weakly sustainable as a tiny area in the southwestern. On the other hand, the sustainability map for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage in the Halabja-Khurmal sub-basin for cooling reveals that 19% of the area is strongly sustainable located in the north, and southwestern parts of the sub-basin, 78% is moderate in the northeast, east, southeast, west, central, and southern regions, 3% is weakly sustainable as spots in the west and southwestern areas.