Geothermal Country Update for the Czech Republic

Abstract

The geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic has been constantly increasing despite the financial demand especially in the initial investment phases. The territory of the Czech Republic is formed by granite bed rock of Bohemian Massif. Several cities in the The geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic has been constantly increasing despite the financial demand especially in the initial investment phases. The territory of the Czech Republic is formed by granite bed rock of Bohemian Massif. Several cities in the Czech Republic consider the use of geothermal energy not only for district heating but also for electricity production. However, only one cogeneration geothermal project – in Litomerice – has been already under development. Numerous expert opinions and analytical studies are being collected (feasibility studies, geological project, financial and economic analysis, technical project, seismicity monitoring plan). Currently, the Litomerice project explores the possibilities to further extent research and development activities on-site. However, geothermal projects focusing on district heating and electricity generation as the second product are currently considered in more cities of the country. Although the first efforts for deep geothermal projects development are currently being undertaken, the most exploitable resources are those of low temperatures used for geothermal heating. The municipality of Decin is a typical example of geothermal district heating installation in the country. Heat acquired from cooling the water of 30°C is treated in a heating plant with other heat sources. Thermal water is used in spas, wellness centres and swimming pools. New thermal swimming pools are being constructed at many places. The most successful project using thermal groundwater for balneological purposes is located at Pasohlavky / Musov in the east-southern part of the Czech Republic, i.e. in Northern Vienna Basin. The most widespread technology of the geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic is linked to the installation of various types of heat pumps for domestic (e.g. houses) and public use (e.g. educational, administrative facilities). The statistics on the evolution of heat pump installations in the country is provided annually by Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.