Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for Bulgaria (2013-2015)

Abstract

Thermal waters in Bulgaria have only direct application. The leading use is for balneology – treatment, prevention, relaxation, sanitary needs and pools. About 1 million cubic meters of thermal water were additionally put into operation in 2015 compared to 2014. Balneology retained its leading position, and in 2015 marked a growth. Two other applications - water supply (where no alternative is available) and some industrial uses (technical processes, public laundries, irrigation, etc.) also increased their share. Water use for energy purpose (space heating and greenhouses) has insignificant presence of about 2.7 % of the total thermal capacity (105.6 MWth). Currently R44the utilized water quantity amounts to about 29% of the discovered resource. Some administrative and legislation changes have been made to improve the development of thermal water use in the country.