Development of Geothermal Energy Utilization in Slovakia

Abstract

Since year 1991 in the territory of Slovakia totally was utilized the geothermal energy of 83 MW,, but with very low efficiency (30 %), so the real power was about 25 MW,. From year 1991 the important changes started in geothermal energy utilization. The govement of Slovak Republic released the finance to solve technical problems like reinjection, scaling, improvement of efficiency etc. The geothermal energy utilization was involved to the energetically conception of Slovak Republic. The cooperation with foreign experts and companies bad begun very quickly. Based on this cooperation first feasibility studies and realization projects were created. The first geothermal project, the construction of reinjection station in Podhkjska locality, was finished in the year 1994. In the 1996 the frst geothermal beating plant, with capacity of 8 MWt, in the Galanta town started working. In the 1998 the first three wells from the considered 10 doublets were drilled in the KoSice basin. An installation of 110 MW, source that would be used as a thermal power station for central supply of heat for KoSice town with overall capacity of 700 MW is considered. In January 1999 frst of 4 wells start to be drilled in the town Ziar nad Hronom. The 30 MW, geothermal heating plant will supply the heat for 27 000 habitants for this town. The realization feasibility studies are prepared for several localities in territory of Slovakia (Oravice, Poprad Liptov basin etc.). Up to 1995 an amount of 74,7 MW, had been practically utilized, that means the amount of 1217,7 TJ/year of energy use, but conditions for utilization of 180 MW, before year 2000 are being created.