Thermas de Sao Pedro do Sul (Portugal).
© BRGM - Christian Iasio
Issues and needs
Thermal springs are complex, fragile resources that are fundamental to the economy of spa resorts, which are mainly located in rural areas. Their exploitation has been the driving force behind the development of many towns. However, long-term downward trends in rainfall, linked to climate change, could alter the current quality of thermal springs, thus jeopardising the livelihood of spa resorts. There are currently no data or methods for assessing this potential impact, and no adaptation strategy to anticipate its socio-economic effects.
These are the most important needs that the ThermEcoWat project intends to address to improve the resilience of communities living around thermal resources:
- Assessing and protecting the quality and volume of thermal waters threatened by climate change.
- Optimising the use of thermal water for various purposes, including energy recovery and reuse of wastewater.
- Strengthening the ability of spa communities to adapt to the effects of climate change and maintain their economic viability.
- Developing and applying innovative technologies for the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources and heat storage.
- Promoting inclusive and collaborative governance between public and private actors to ensure efficient management of thermal resources.
The issues and subject areas covered by the ThermEcoWat project, its consortium partners and the resources available.
© BRGM
Expected results
The ThermEcoWat project aims to:
- develop a joint strategy to improve the resilience of spa regions to climate change in southern Europe and beyond, through the sustainable use of thermal springs and their energy potential;
- create a common knowledge base on the management of thermal resources, energy and infrastructure, and adaptation to climate change. This database will facilitate the sharing of good practice and knowledge between partners;
- develop a toolkit to help local authorities and spa operators draw up action plans for adapting to climate change;
- undertake dedicated social analyses and develop collaborative governance tools during the implementation of three pilot cases (one per country) to test and demonstrate innovative solutions for the sustainable management of thermal springs;
- develop specific action plans for each pilot site, based on climate scenarios and local needs. These plans will include energy efficiency measures, sustainable reuse of thermal water and other adaptation strategies.
BRGM’s role
BRGM is coordinating the specific aspects of the project, in particular scientific research and the development of technologies for the sustainable management of thermal springs. It plays a key role in the project, contributing its expertise in geothermal resources and groundwater management, assessing the physical and socio-economic impacts of climate change and developing digital tools for shared knowledge management and decision support.
Partners
Main partners
The ThermEcoWat consortium brings together a number of key stakeholders:
- Spa operators: Represented by the Thermas de São Pedro do Sul (Portugal) and regional and national associations of spa operators.
- Local communities: The spa town of Caldes de Montbui and the Diputación de Ourense (Spain) identify the needs and benefits for spa communities.
- Coordination and communication: The Association des villes thermales d'Auvergne, "Thermauvergne" (France) is coordinating the project and managing communications with CSIC-IGME in Spain.
- Scientific expert appraisal: National or regional public geological surveys such as BRGM, the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya (ICGC) and the Laboratorio Nacional de Energía e Geológica (LNEG) provide their expertise.
Associate partners
- France
- ANCT - Commissariat for planning, development and protection of the Massif Central
- Auvergne Rhône Alpes Energie Environnement
- Conseil Régional Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Auvergne Thermale Qualité Economic Interest Group (GIE)
- L'association Route des Villes d'Eaux du Massif Central
- Fédération Thermale et Climatique Française
- Spain
- Associació de Viles Termals de Catalunya
- Associació Balneària de Catalunya
- Fundació Santa Susanna
- INSTITUTO OURENSANO DE DESARROLLO ECONOMICO DE LA PROVINCIA DE OURENSE INORDE
- Instituto Catalán de Energía (ICAEN), Departamento de Acción Climática, Alimentación y Agenda Rural
- Dirección General de Industria / Subdirección General de Minas y Protección Radiológica
- Portugal
- Direção Geral de Energia e Geologia (DGEG)
- Associação das Termas de Portugal (A.T.P.)
