New geothermal district heating systems in Slovakia

Abstract

Abundance of geothermal water reservoirs in Slovakia and existence of many district heating systems where the geothermal energy can be utilized present optimal conditions for advancement of geothermal projects. During the last three years, two new geothermal district heating systems were implemented in Slovakia. The projects are located in the towns of Sala and Sered in Danube basin and are very similar to each other. Old natural gas burned central boiler plants with wide distribution network were present in the towns. New production geothermal wells were drilled in both locations, piping and heat exchanger stations were built and connected to the existing boiler plants circuits. Heating water and hot tap water is being prepared by geothermal energy now and significant natural gas saving and CO2 emission reduction have been achieved. Good project design and conception is confirmed after several months of operation and geothermal energy is proven to be optimal RES in particular localities.