Spatial analysis of indicators affecting the exploitation of shallow geothermal energy at European scale

Shallow Geothermal Energy (SGE) exploited by vertical close loop Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) is a proven, reliable, and widespread renewable heating cooling technology. However, in many regions there still lack of awareness among policy makers end users, constituting major constraint to wider deployment SGE. In order contribute its market consolidation, this work focuses on bringing light relevant spatial information affecting the suitability SGE exploitation. This result systematization geological, climatic, environmental open available data translated into performance indicators. A set thematic maps was created using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) comprising European Member States other countries. The relative area amount population affected per indicator spatially analyzed determine most common values found population. relationship between percentage also allowed identify indicators areas where high energy demands are expected. Additionally, an example how can be used Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework shown.