Resources and Possible Directions of Use of Geothermal Waters in the Polish Part of the Eastern Carpathians

Abstract

The article presents the results of estimation of geothermal energy resources in flysch formations, and the Miocene, Mesozoic and Paleozoik basement of the flysch in the area of the Polish Eastern Carpathians from the meridian of Gorlice to the Bieszczady Mts. This area covers approximately 9830 km2, which is ca. 3.2% of the Polish territory. The paper also shows the location of the prospective zones, possibilities and directions of optimal use of geothermal waters for heating purposes and/or balneotherapy in this area. The calculations were carried out according to the McKelvey's geothermal energy resources classification. The estimates of energy accumulated in individual geothermal aquifers and the results of calculations are referred to the size of geothermal energy resources accumulated in other geothermal provinces of Poland. The relatively low geothermal potential was found as well in the flysch cover as in the geothermal aquifers of the Mesozoic-Paleozoic basement. The analyzes show that the Miocene aquifers covered with flysch sediments are locally characterized by favourable reservoir properties. The most interesting aquifers, from the point of view of possibility of using geothermal water for heating purposes, are present in the area of Błędowa Zglobienska, about 15 km west of Rzeszów. According to the estimates, it is possible to set up a small power plant which will use thermal water with intakes at approximately 30 m3/h, with a temperature of about 72°C and TDS of ca. 54 g/dm3.