Tolmin - Expectations for the First Geothermal Electric Power Plant in the Alps

Abstract

The town of Tolmin, W Slovenia, is situated in the southern ending of the Julian Alps near Slovenian-Italian border. There is no utilisation of geothermal energy in this area any more. Before the First World War, there was a small spa in the vicinity of Tolmin, which was renown for healing thermal water. In the thirthies of the past century, the spa was closed. There is also another natural spring of low temperature (22°C) thermal water NW of Tolmin. With planned deep drilling, we intend to tap one of several carbonate aquifers. Expected temperature is 109°C and the outflow 45 l/s. Geothermal gradient is lower in western Slovenia than in the Mura basin in the East, and for this reason, drilling costs will strongly control the economy of the project. Energy, produced from the captured water will be sufficient for electricity production, district heating of the Tolmin downtown area and for the planned spa and recreation center. Estimated drilling costs for a doublette and district heating amount to 7,5 million euro.