A brief scoping thermogeological potential of a site for both open loop and closed loop GSE systems will be undertaken. This assessment is undertaken by identifying the site in relation to its geological and hydrogeological context. The suitability for a GSE scheme will be assessed through the information provided on our web form.

Outcome: We generally phone or email the client to discuss the GSE potential of their site.

Tier 2: – Preliminary studies for Ground Source Energy

A feasibility study should always be considered the first step to making a managed decision on the appropriateness of a ground source energy scheme. There is a trade-off between the costs of a feasibility study and the costs for the entire scheme. Generally, the larger schemes will mostly benefit from a feasibility study. However, even smaller schemes will benefit from feasibility studies when considering that the cost of such a study is likely to be offset by savings made on the costs of drilling, which is known to require most of the capital investment. The feasibility study is also a key document that can be presented to the regulatory authorities during the initial permit request process. The information provided to the authorities through the feasibility study will play an important role in the permitting application process and may save time in obtaining the final permits.

At ESI, we tend to tailor the degree of detail of the feasibility study to the investment required for the GSE scheme. The bigger the scheme, the greater is the risk associated with the scheme. A poorly designed GSE scheme may compromise the overall energy performance of a multi-million pound development. Therefore, greater detail on the building design constraints will be required when the feasibility study is requested for a large scheme. At the end of this stage, the client will need to decide on whether to proceed with expensive site investigations or abandon the idea of a GSE scheme.

The contents of the feasibility study will vary but may include some or all of the following:

	Site constraints and details on building usage
	Geological, thermogeological and hydrogeological assessment
	Potential hydrochemical issues (qualitative assessment)
	Regulatory issues
	Initial cost/benefit analysis of proposed schemes
	Greenhouse gas assessment
	Initial contact is made with the regulator and a scoping opinion is obtained
	Recommendations for on site specific investigations

Outcome: A detailed report discussing the above points is presented. The foundations are laid for site specific assessments and data collection, which is normally analysed in Tier 3. Some scoping plans and maps for the ground coupled part of the GSE system are also given. This report will be used to assist the decision process as this stage and is normally considered a critical break point. Further investments may not be justified by the associated risks.

Tier 3: - Outline Ground Source Energy scheme design

Tier 3 may be considered as an add-on of Tier 2 or a separate stand-alone phase of the study process. This will generally vary according to the requirements of the client. This stage of involvement requires close liaison with building designers and installers and generally covers the following:

	Design specifications including the design of boreholes for the GSE scheme
	Scoping numerical heat transport model for heat plume assessment
	Design and management of site investigations
	Preparation of regulatory permits where required and liaison with regulatory bodies

Outcome: A report will be produced containing the design specifications for a GSE scheme. For the bigger and more complex schemes, a recommendation to proceed to Tier 4 will also be given to ensure the scheme is both economically and environmentally sustainable on the long term.

Tier 4: – Detailed Ground Source Energy scheme design specification and environmental impact assessment

GSE pumps require Planning Permission from Local Authorities and in some cases Building Control consent may be required. In certain prescribed circumstances an EIA will be required. ESI can deliver detailed input to GSE schemes as follows:

	Revised and more detailed heat transport numerical modelling: input parameters are refined and sensitivity analysis is undertaken according to the site specific data obtained from the site investigations. Heat breakthrough at the abstraction point (open loop systems) and long term sustainability of the scheme is assessed
	Quantative assessment of biological and chemical processes in rock and groundwater
	Design of appropriate monitoring programmes and monitoring networks if these are deemed appropriate

Outcome: A complete hydrogeological EIA report will be delivered to assist the planning process. This report will also integrate and refine the design specifications of the Tier 3 process. The conclusions are likely to fully optimise the cost/benefit analysis provided in the earlier stages (i.e. a comprehensive assessment of long term sustainability by means of detailed thermal transport is likely to increase the confidence in the cost/benefit analysis).

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