A brief glossary of Polish and the UNFC-2009 classifications and nomenclature of geothermal resources assessment

Abstract

As widely known there is no standard international terminology in use throughout the geothermal community, which would facilitate mutual comprehension between estimated resources. The differences can be seen even when existing definitions of geothermal energy and geothermal resources are taken into consideration. These differences result mainly from on how the geothermal energy is meant, who is the ownership of geothermal resources, and what kind of legislation governs the aspects related with the use of geothermal resources.
Most of the concepts regards classification and assessment of geothermal resources, which assume geothermal as mineral, and refers to the classification and terminology derived from the mining industry, including mineral and fossil fuels (coal, petroleum etc.). Difficulties with interpretation of the results and comparison of geothermal resources assessment are growing when data from the Eastern Europe countries are considered.
The article will provide a guideline to understand the principles of geothermal resources classification, and methodology of its assessment, which are being use in Poland, in regards to the concepts of a new United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009.
Additionally the article highlights the possibility to adopt the principles of classification and methodology of geothermal resources assessment used in Poland to the classification rules of the UNFC-2009. The article is an attempt to begin a formal discussions, in order to meet the main objectives of UNFC-2009 and provides standardization of existing national system and criteria for evaluation of geothermal resources and reserves and to enable comparison of various existing classifications - according to uniform rules.