Geothermal Direct Use Applications in Turkey : Technology and Economics

Abstract

Geothermal energy is mostly used in direct use (residences, greenhouses, and thermal facilities) and for balneological purposes in Turkey. Today 51.600 residences equivalence is being heated geothermally (493 MWt). Moreover, with the balneological utilisation of geothermal fluids in 194 spaís (327 MWt), the geothermal direct use capacity is 820 MWt. ORME Geothermal Inc has completed the engineering designs of over 150.000 residences equivalence geothermal district heating system (GDHS). Geothermal district heating distribution networks have been designed according to the geothermal district heating system parameters as there were no large scale district heating system installed in Turkey prior to the GDHS applications. This constitutes an important advantage of GDHS investments in terms of technical and economical aspects. Due to chemical inhibitors and suitable material selection, use of pumps and heat exchangers, the corrosion and scaling effects of the geothermal fluids are minimised. Geothermal resource conditions and consumer (residences) characteristics are determining the GDHS design and technology.