The most prospective areas for geothermal energy utilization for heating and power generation in Poland

Abstract

Resources of geothermal waters and energy in Poland are hosted in groundwaters of various stratigraphic units located at various depths in different geological region: the Polish Lowlands, the Sudety Mts., the Carpathian Foredeep and in the Carpathians. For decades the AGH University of Science and Technology has conducted scientific research related to the occurrence of geothermal waters in sedimentary basins of Poland. Analysis of reservoir, hydrogeological and thermal parameters in the geological profile allowed for determination of prospective areas in terms of geothermal water development for heating and power generation in Poland.
Particularly favourable conditions for the utilization of geothermal energy are in the region of the Polish Trough (part of the Polish Lowlands) and Podhale area (Inner Carpathians), where geothermal energy is currently used for a different purposes. In many areas of the Polish Lowlands geothermal energy is not yet used despite of significant geothermal potential. Prospective areas for geothermal energy utilization have been identified also in other parts of Poland. However geothermal potential related to utilization of geothermal waters of the Carpathian Foredeep and Outer Carpathians is limited.
Article shows in particular results of geothermal projects carried out by AGH team since EGC2013 (Bujakowski and Tomaszewska (eds.) 2014; Wójcicki et al (eds.) 2013).