Romania Update Report for 1995-1999

Abstract

Exploration for geothermal resources began in Romania in the early 1960ís, arising from a hydrocarbon search program which as an unexpected benefit also identified eight promising geothermal areas. Within these areas, over 200 wells, drilled to depths between 800-3500 m, show the presence of low- enthalpy geothermal resources (40-120?C). Completion and experimental exploitation of over 100 wells during the past 25 years has enabled evaluation of the exploitable heat available from these geothermal resources. Proven geothermal reserves in Romania are currently about 200,000 TJ for 20 years.

The principal Romanian geothermal resources are found in porous and permeable sandstones and siltstones (for example, in the Western Plain and the Olt Valley), or in fractured carbonate formations (Oradea, Bors, North Bucharest).

The total thermal capacity of the existing wells is about 480 MWt (for a reference temperature of 25?C). Of this total, only 152 MWt are currently used, from 96 wells (of which 35 wells are used for balneology and bathing) that are producing hot water in the temperature range of 45-115?C. For 1999, the annual energy utilisation from these wells was about 2,900 TJ, with a capacity factor of 0.6. More than 80% of the wells are artesian producers, 18 wells require anti-scaling chemical treatment, and six are reinjection wells. The main direct uses of the geothermal energy are: space and district heating -- 37%; bathing -- 30%; greenhouse heating -- 23%; industrial process heat -- 7%; fish farming and animal husbandry -- 2%.

During 1995-1999, Fourteen geothermal wells were drilled in Romania with National financing; three additional wells are in progress at this writing. Of the first fourteen, drilled to depths ranging from 1500 m to 3500 m, only two were nonproducers, for a success rate of 86%.

The development of direct utilisation of Romanian geothermal resources has been hindered considerably by the inevitable difficulties attending transition from a centrally planned to a free market economy, as well as by operational capabilities which in some cases have not kept pace with recent technological advances. As a result, current geothermal production falls far short of the countryís considerable demonstrated potential.