Geothermal Energy Resources in Albania - Country Update

Abstract

In this paper the geothermal region of Albanides and geothermal resources of Albania are presented. Shortly there are represented the methodic of geothermal studies and the evaluation of geothermal energy reserves. The fields of geothermal gradient are detailed and heat flow fields are represented. Particular attention is shown to the analysis of geothermal energy resources.
Large numbers of geothermal energy of low enthalpy resources are located in different areas of Albania. Thermal waters are sulfate, sulfide, methane, and iodinate-bromide types. Thermal sources are located in three geothermal zones:
Kruja geothermal zone represents a zone in carbonate reservoirs.
Ardenica geothermal zone with sandstone reservoirs.
Peshkopia geothermal zone, is located with disjunctive tectonics of the gypsum diapir.
The geothermal situation in Albania offers three directions for the exploitation of geothermal energy:
1. The use of the ground heat flow for space heating and cooling, by borehole heat exchanger-heat pumps systems.
2. Thermal water sources and wells of low enthalpy. They represent the basis for a successful use of modern technologies for a complex and cascading utilization of this energy:
SPA clinics and hotels for eco-tourism.
Sanitary hot water for SPA and hotels, and hot waters for greenhouses and aquaculture installations.
Extraction of chemical microelements.
3. The use of deep abandoned oil and gas wells as "Vertical Earth Heat Probe".
Actually in Albania it is published the "Atlas of Geothermal Resources in Albania" (http://www.inima.al/~nfra/projects/geothermal/AlbanianGeothermalAtlas.pdf).
Sensitization brochure on "Use of environmental friendly geothermal energy" (supported by UNDP-GEF SGP) may be found at http://www.inima.al/~nfra/geothermal/ and also at http://www.Geothermie.de/.