The latest results of geothermal projects in Poland

Abstract

The paper presents the latest results of geothermal projects carried out by the interdisciplinary research team at the AGH University of Science and Technology, in cooperation with numerous scientific institutions in Poland and abroad. For many years the Department of Fossil Fuels at the Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environment Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, has conducted the fundamental research and implementation work, including selection of optimum areas for utilization of geothermal waters and energy for practical purposes. At the Department, geological conditions of the occurrence of geothermal waters are analysed, together with the energy resources and technology required for development of the geothermal resources within geological units of the Polish Lowlands, Carpathians and Carpathian Foredeep. Recapitulation of the studies of the occurrence and utilization of geothermal waters and energy has been reflected in six Atlases which represent unique works. In recent years the results of research into the utilization of geothermal water in the polish part of the Carpathians and the Carpathian Foredeep was published. In 2011 an extensive publication was issued, namely the “Atlas of geothermal waters and energy resources in the Western Carpathians” (Gorecki (eds.) et al., 2011). The contents of the Atlas provided full information covering the whole of interdisciplinary problems of geothermal resources, which can be useful for those who are involved in this field of knowledge. In 2012 “Geothermal Atlas of the Carpathian Foredeep” (Gorecki (eds.) et al., 2012) was published. Atlas constitutes a comprehensive and exhausting source of information on the occurrence and production potential of geothermal waters in the polish part of the Carpathian Foredeep. In 2013 “Geothermal Atlas of the Eastern Carpathians” (Gorecki (eds.) et al., 2013) will be issued. Results of this studies made it possible to select optimum areas for utilization of geothermal waters and energy in polish part of Carpathian and Carpathian Foredeep. Since 2010, the project “Evaluation of potential, thermal balance and prospective geological structures for needs of Enhanced Geothermal System in Poland” is carried out. The project is implemented by a consortium which includes leading scientific institutions in Poland. The main aim of the project is to identify areas and geological structures for the location of Enhanced Geothermal System.