A Numerical Groundwater Model for the Construction of a Planned Pumped-Storage Plant in Blaubeuren, Germany

Abstract

As part of the energy transition the pumped-storage plants have currently received a great deal of attention in Germany. A typical case is located in Blaubeuren (southern Germany), where a new pumped-storage plant, without sealing to the connected karst aquifer underneath, is in planning approval. Using this construction concept, various measures and strategies should be formulated by using numerical modeling to limit possible adverse impacts on the construction site and its environment, considering that the Blau Valley requires high level of protection. In this paper, numerical modeling based on field measurements is applied to characterize the groundwater dynamics during the current investigation phase. The aquifer system is represented by a three-dimensional finite element model using the FEFLOW numerical code. The model is calibrated for steady-state and transient conditions by matching computed and measured piezometric levels. The results of the study provide useful information regarding the behavior of aquifer in order to organize the construction and the subsequent operation of the pumped-storage plant.