Geothermal Development in Hungary Country Update Report

Abstract

Information is provided on the status of geothermal direct heat use in Hungary, with emphasis on developments from 1995 to 1999. During the four years since WGC'1995 there have been 6 new geothermal developments in Hungary. The geothermal energy was utilized in direct use, no electricity has been generated. Geothermal energy utilization is estimated to be 324.6 MWt of geothermal capacity and it currently supplies 2804.3 TJ/yr. of heat energy through direct heat application in Hungary, as of January 1, 1999. Geothermal heat pumps represent 3.8 MWt of installed capacity. The quantity of the produced thermal water for direct use in year 1998 was approximately 21.5 million cu.m. with average utilization temperature of 31 ?C. The main consumer of geothermal energy is in agriculture (64%). The proportion of geothermal energy utilization in the energy balance of Hungary, despite the significance proven reserves, is low (0.28%).