Reorganization of the Integrated Geothermal Project ìBANSKOî, Macedonia - Technical, Legal and Regulatory Aspects -

Abstract

Geothermal system ìBanskoî is the system with the best annual heat loading factor in Macedonia. It is an excellent combination of heat consumers consisting greenhouse heating, space heating, sanitary warm water preparation, swimming pool heating and balneology of a spa and agricultural center. It is a good example how geothermal energy can be competitive to any other energy source when technically properly organized. However, unsolved legal aspects for the property of the energy source and for the rights of consumers for the way of use of the available thermal water flow resulted finally with a ìtotal warî between them. System is destabilized and no one of the consumers is satisfied with the quality of covering its heat requirements. Based on the experiences of the Kotchany geothermal integrated system in Macedonia and some other in Italy, France and U.S.A., a set of necessary technical, legal and regulatory measures to be taken by the state and local community is presented in the paper. That should resolve the present negative situation and improve possibilities for better technical efficiency and profitability of the system.