Macedonia - Country Update 2010

Abstract

In comparison with 2005, situation with proven hydro-geothermal resources is minimally changed with introduction of one bigger (60 l/s – 75ºC) and several small boreholes (5 – 15 l/s , 30 – 55ºC), the reinjection system of one third of the waste water flow in Kocani has been completed, introduction of indirect system of use instead the previous direct one has been introduced in one of greenhouse complexes of the Kocani district heating system, privatization process of existing spas was finalized, reconstruction of heating installations in Negorci Spa finalized and process beginning of the reconstruction is in progress at Bansko Spa. There were no new exploration and investigation activities. However, increase of interest of small investors could be followed. About ten concessions for investigations have been issued and initial steps of investigations organization are in progress. The government issued very convenient feeding price for electricity of geothermal origin but it is not of practical value due to the absence of proven convenient resources. On the other hand, the existing tariff system for selling heat of geothermal origin is still in place, even though it was clearly proven that it doesn’t influence positively the development of this renewable resource because it artificially presses down the selling price and doesn’t include the development component. The process of introduction of ground heat pump systems began with several smaller installations.
A review of the geological background, known hydro-geothermal resources and their potential, present geothermal utilization and main characteristics of the projects is given in the paper. Finally, a prediction of development that can be expected in the period of the next ten years is given, too.