Geothermal Activities in Greece During 2005-2009

Abstract

Greece holds a prominent place in Europe regarding the existence of promising geothermal resources, which can be economically exploited. There is no any electrical use in the country, despite the proven high-enthalpy geothermal potential in the Aegean volcanic arc. The exploration of new or existing low-enthalpy fields continued during the past five years and more than 50 wells were drilled. The recent discovered reservoirs have temperatures ranging from 30 to 90ºC. By the mid of 2009 the total installed geothermal capacity in Greece of low-enthalpy uses is estimated to be about 135 MWth. The installed capacity increased remarkably (80% increase) compared with the figures reported in the previous update, but most of this increase is attributed to the expansion geothermal heat pump market that presents more than 50% annual increase in sales.