Geological and Technical Aspects of Geothermal Energy Utilization in Małopolska Region (South Poland)

Abstract

The paper discusses the geological and technical aspects of geothermal energy utilization in Ma?opolska Region, such as the availability of thermal aquifers and the techniques for putting them to practical use. The geological and geothermal features of the region are presented within the context of the existence of aquifers containing geothermal resources that could be used in space heating. Particulary favourable hydrogeological conditions exist in the Inner Carpathians, in the Podhale Trough, where there is already one geothermal plant exploiting geothermal energy. Equally interesting are the areas north of the Cracow - TarnÛw line, where in Mesozoic aquifers water temperatures range from 20 to 60oC. The paper includes technological solutions for the recovery and management of heat in this area, together with examples of how heat pumps and combined heat and power units are used in Poland.