Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for Greece

Abstract

Geothermal energy in Greece is still being utilized only for direct uses, mainly in the agricultural, healing and recreation sectors (spa facilities, greenhouses, soil heating, aquaculture, and fish farming). The most important investment in geothermal energy during the recent years, regards the operation (since 2014) of a new hydroponic geothermal greenhouse unit in Neo Erasmio (Xanthi, Northern Greece), currently covering 8.2ha. Further exploitation of the low enthalpy geothermal potential is under way in the geothermal fields of Eratino-Chrysoupolis and Aristino (Northern Greece). The production of geothermal electricity still remains a desideratum, despite the proven high enthalpy potential in Milos and Nisyros islands (>30 MWe confirmed through drilling, >200 MWe estimated) and the strong indications for the existence of medium enthalpy reservoirs in Northern Greece and certain Aegean islands (e.g. Chios, Lesvos, Samothrace). The projected geothermal power production pertains, at the moment, to the construction of small units (5-8 MWe) in six allocated concessions. The most significant growth of the Greek geothermal market comes from the considerable increase of installed GSHP systems (~3000 units). The exploration for low enthalpy geothermal resources is still on-going in some areas, e.g. Sidirokastro, Eastern Thessaly, Lemnos and Lesvos islands.