Following on from Budapest project meeting, partners at BGS refined the initial sketches drawn by the VoGERA team for the conceptual models.

These were to cover:

• A cross-section showing an imaginary setting with multiple geological environments in one diagram, to form the backdrop for visualising the risks and pathways for each energy activity
• An overview of different groundwater units and regimes within the example cross-section
• Energy activity specific diagrams to highlight the risks and pathways to vulnerable groundwater resources

Alongside these diagrams, two reference tables were created to provide information on both the nature of the geological settings, and both the intrinsic and specific risks associated with each energy activity. The diagrams and these reference tables form an integral part for the risk assessment methodology for VoGERA.

These diagrams have since been presented at both the IAH (2019), and the virtual EGU (2020) conferences.

The base of the conceptual model – an imaginary cross-section showing multiple geological settings in one diagram. This allows for all energy related activities to be shown across the different settings in which they might be found.

The hydrogeological conditions for the base conceptual model, showing the possible interactions with different environments, and the relevant processes/pathways.

Industry specific diagram for Coal bed Methane

Industry specific diagram for Energy storage in both abandoned conventional oil and gas reservoirs, and salt caverns

Industry specific diagram for conventional oil and gas activity in both shallow and deeper geological settings

Industry specific diagram for geothermal activity in 3 different settings (basement, young sedimentary basins, abandoned mining infrastructure)

Industry specific diagram for shale gas extraction in both younger and older sedimentary basin settings