Strategy of Development of the Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Energy Resources in Macedonia for the Period 2000-2010

Abstract

Main part of the exploitation geothermal energy resources in Macedonia are in use by different (mainly agricultural) projects. The composition of users doesn't enable to reach enough high annual heat loading coefficients and, in that way, possible valuable benefits of this home energy source. On the other hand, there are still a number of geothermal fields in exploitation status for already ten years, without any geothermal project. Taking into account the weak economy status of the country, the main engagement for development during the period 2000-2010 shall be concentrated to the reconstruction and optimisation of the existing projects by recombining of the users with connection of new ones with different annual heat use characteristics, then by establishment of new projects with convenient characteristics and proven good composition of possible users and, finally, by beginning the development of the projects with aggressive geothermal fluids on disposal, having good composition of possible energy users. Two possible scenarios of the strategy of development are discussed in the paper and necessary conclusions extracted, enabling a good orientation for the influencing factors, necessary preconditions and consequences of the different variants of development.