Complex Approach of Establishing a Geothermal Power Plant in Hungary

Abstract

Geothermal power plants have not yet been established in Hungary. Despite the apparently advantageous geothermal potential, those who intend to establish the first geothermal power plant will have to face several technical, economic and legal difficulties.
It is not easy to find a reservoir with appropriate size, thermal yield and temperature, and re-injection of the significant volume of used thermal water to the sandstones is not solved either. In order to define the real capacity of the power plant and the parameters of the reservoir we need to perform expensive production/re-injection tests, which also bear geological risk. Moreover, regulations have become increasingly severe in respect to conditions of mining, water matters and environment protection.
In the meantime, the business environment of utilising geothermal energy has improved in recent years. Therefore MOL Plc. decided to investigate, within the scope of a pilot project, the opportunities of establishing a small geothermal power plant. The activity requires a complex approach regarding geology, technology, financing and authorization process. This means an approach coming from four different professional areas. Risks can be mitigated only through a common management of the concepts.