We studied how the chemical composition of water in rocks affects the movement of uranium, which is important for the safety of nuclear waste disposal sites. Using computer models, we found that water chemistry inside the host rock for the waste is more decisive for the transport of uranium than groundwater chemistry in adjacent rocks. These findings help improve site selection for a disposal site by indicating which conditions are suitable and less suitable to safely isolate radioactive waste.

In cities, large thermal plumes often limit groundwater-based heating and cooling. Unidirectional ATES reverses the well arrangement so heat and cold are transported by natural groundwater flow and reused seasonally. At Graz South Hospital, modeling shows efficient energy recovery, strongly reduced off-site impacts, and high potential for climate-friendly energy supply in space-constrained urban areas.