Utilization of geothermal energy in Serbia

Abstract

In Serbia, there are more than 60 hydrogeothermal low-temperature convective systems (T<150 o C), as well as a large hydrogeothermal system in the Serbian part of the Pannonian basin. Estimated energy reserves of geothermal resources are about 800 MWt, but utilization of this is low, only about 80 MWt. Utilization of geothermal energy is mostly of the cascade type, with a few examples of integrated utilization. Integratedutilization combines the use of gas, oil, and electric power for heat pumps. According to the installations already built, utilization of geothermal energy is mostly for balneological purposes and tourism. From an energy point of view, utilization of geothermal energy is mostly for heating of greenhouses. Geothermal energy is now used for the heating of greenhouses only in three localities in Serbia. Eight ha. are heated by geothermal energy while the total area of other greenhouses heated by crude oil and gastotals around 64 ha. According to the potential of geothermal resources, near future development should focus on cascade and integrated utilization of geothermal energy.