UTES (Underground Thermal Energy Storage)—Applications and Market Development in Sweden

The market for shallow geothermal solutions has been continuously growing in Sweden and is recognized as a cost effective and environmental sound way for space heating. In later years, UTES (underground thermal energy storage) systems have become frequently installed for combined heating and cooling of commercial and institutional buildings. After 20 years, operational experiences of these systems are proved to be energy efficient, technically safe and profitable. In this paper, the current statistics of UTES applications are given as well as market trends and technical development. The goal is to encourage designers and installers in other counties to use this promising technology.