Geothermal Energy Resources in Albania- Country Update Paper

Abstract

Resources of Geothermal Energy of low enthalpy in Albania, and the platform for their direct use are presented in the paper. Large numbers of geothermal energy of low enthalpy resources are located in different areas of Albania. Thermal waters are sulfate, sulfide, methane, and iodinate-bromide types. Thermal sources are located in three geothermal zones: Kruja geothermal zone represents a zone with bigness geothermal resources, in carbonate reservoirs. Ardenica geothermal zone is located in the coastal area of Albania, in sandstone reservoirs. Peshkopia geothermal zone at northeastern area of Albania. Several springs are located with disjunctive tectonics of the gypsum diapir. The geothermal situation in Albania offers three directions for the exploitation of geothermal energy: Firstly, the use of the ground heat flow for space heating and cooling, by borehole heat exchanger-heat pumps systems. Secondly, thermal sources of low enthalpy are natural sources or wells in a wide territory of Albania. They represent the basis for a successful use of modern technologies for a complex and cascade exploitation of this energy: 1. SPA clinics for treatment of different diseases and hotels for eco-tourism. 2. The hot water for heating and sanitary waters of the SPA and hotels, greenhouses and aquaculture installations. 3. From thermal waters it is possible to extract chemical microelements. Thirdly, the use of deep abandoned oil and gas wells as "Vertical Earth Heat Probe".