State-of-the-art of Geothermal Energy Use in Slovenia (Country Update)

Abstract

Information is provided on the status of geothermal direct heat utilization in Slovenia, with emphasis on developments from 1995 to 1999. The principal modern use of geothermal energy in Slovenia is for space heating and for bathing and swimming (including balneology), the latter started on a large scale over 40 years ago. Also other utilization schemes are summarized: greenhouses, industrial uses and geothermal heat pumps. The total direct use of geothermal energy amounted, in 1999, to about 685 TJ at 27 locations with installed capacity of about 41.1 MWt. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) at thermal spas are also included that are used to increase the geothermal water temperature. Thermal spas and recreation centres are the main consumers where thermal water is used for space heating and bathing with balneology. Thermal water is used less for the heating of greenhouses, and very little as industrial process heat. Probably at least 56 heat pump units extract an additional heat of about 19 TJ from shallow groundwater while the share of closed loop heat pump units is poorly known. During the last 5 years exploration and production have resulted in 18 wells with a total depth of almost 12 km.