scholarly journals Geothermal potential, chemical characteristic and utilization of groundwater in Serbia

Author(s):  
Tanja Petrović Pantić ◽  
Katarina Atanasković Samolov ◽  
Jana Štrbački ◽  
Milan Tomić

Abstract In order to collect and unify data about all geothermal resources in Serbia, a database is formed. The database allows us to perceive the geothermal resources of Serbia and their potential for utilization. Based on the data available in the geothermal database, the estimated temperatures of reservoirs, heat power, and geothermal energy utilization were calculated. The database contains 293 objects (springs, boreholes) registered at 160 locations with groundwater temperature in the range between 20°C and 111°C. The maximum expected temperature of the reservoir is 146°C (according to the SiO2 geothermometer). Some thermal water is cooled while mixed with cold, shallow water. Geothermal resources are mostly used for balneology and recreation, and less for heating, water supply, bottling, fish and animal farms, agriculture, and technical water. 26% of all geothermal resources is used by the local population or has not been used at all. The annual utilization of geothermal energy for direct heat is 1507 TJ/yr, and the estimated capacity of geothermal energy in Serbia is 111 MWt. The results of analytical work were presented in the form of maps with a geological and hydrogeological background. Thermal waters are mostly registrated in the area of Tertiary magmatism. The three geothermal potential areas are identified: Pannonian basin-Vojvodina Province, Mačva-Srem and area from Jošanička Banja to Vranjska Banja (southern Serbia). Based on chemical analyses, four hydrochemical facies are distinguished. Thermal water mainly belongs to NaHCO3 or CaMgHCO3 hydrochemical facies, usually depending on the primary aquifer: karst, karst-fissured, intergranular or fissured.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2691
Author(s):  
Nataša Ćuković Ignjatović ◽  
Ana Vranješ ◽  
Dušan Ignjatović ◽  
Dejan Milenić ◽  
Olivera Krunić

The study presented in this paper assessed the multidisciplinary approach of geothermal potential in the area of the most southeastern part of the Pannonian basin, focused on resources utilization. This study aims to present a method for the cascade use of geothermal energy as a source of thermal energy for space heating and cooling and as a resource for balneological purposes. Two particular sites were selected—one in a natural environment; the other within a small settlement. Geothermal resources come from different types of reservoirs having different temperatures and chemical compositions. At the first site, a geothermal spring with a temperature of 20.5 °C is considered for heat pump utilization, while at the second site, a geothermal well with a temperature of 54 °C is suitable for direct use. The calculated thermal power, which can be obtained from geothermal energy is in the range of 300 to 950 kW. The development concept was proposed with an architectural design to enable sustainable energy efficient development of wellness and spa/medical facilities that can be supported by local authorities. The resulting energy heating needs for different scenarios were 16–105 kW, which can be met in full by the use of geothermal energy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirja Pavić ◽  
Staša Borović ◽  
Maja Briški ◽  
Tihomir Frangen ◽  
Kosta Urumović

<p>The increase in thermal water utilisation is foreseen by many European and Croatian strategic documents regulating energetics, tourism, environmental protection and sustainable development. Croatian Geological Survey wishes to establish a multidisciplinary group for hydrothermal systems research which will contribute to responsible geothermal development in our country through a 5-year research project HyTheC which started in 2020.</p><p>Pannonian part of Croatia has favourable geothermal characteristics and natural thermal water springs emerge at two dozen localities, with temperatures up to 65 °C. These waters have been used for millennia, and in the past fifty years they are a basis for the development of tourism and health care centres which use the thermal water resource for heating, therapy and recreation (Borović & Marković, 2015). As their water demand increased, higher quantities were abstracted and additional intake structures and wells were constructed.</p><p>Thermal springs are part of hydrothermal systems which include: recharge areas in the mountainous hinterlands of the springs; geothermal aquifers - in Croatia mostly fractured and karstified Mesozoic carbonate rocks (Borović et al., 2016) - in which water resides and gets heated due to heat flow from the Earth; and discharge areas in places with favourable structural characteristics of higher permeability. The continuous functioning of such systems depends on a delicate balance between groundwater flow velocities, precipitation/dissolution processes and structural framework.</p><p>In order to maintain that balance and use thermal water resources in a sustainable manner, a system-level understanding is required. Multidisciplinary methodology (structural geology, hydrogeology, geothermal, hydrogeochemical and geophysical research and remote sensing) will be used to construct conceptual models of systems, perform 3D geological modelling, hydrogeological and thermal parametrisation of the geological units involved in the thermal fluid flow, and conduct numerical simulations of system functioning in undisturbed conditions and with different extraction scenarios.</p><p>This methodology will be tested in three pilot areas in Croatia where thermal water is being utilized (Daruvar, Hrvatsko zagorje and Topusko). These three areas have significantly different levels of initial data availability and it shall therefore be determined which methodology and order of application of different methods should be applied while researching the systems with considerable existing data, medium amount of data and very scarce data, respectively.</p><p>Keywords : hydrothermal system, natural thermal spring, multidisciplinary research, Croatia</p><p>References</p><p>Borović, S. & Marković, T. 2015 : Utilization and tourism valorisation of geothermal waters in Croatia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 44, pp. 52-63.</p><p>Borović, S., Marković, T., Larva, O., Brkić, Ž. & Mraz, V. 2016 : Mineral and Thermal Waters in the Croatian Part of the Pannonian Basin. U: Papić, P., ur., Mineral and Thermal Waters of Southeastern Europe. Cham: Springer, pp. 31-45.</p><p> </p><p>ACKNOWLEDGMENT</p><p>The Installation Research project HyTheC (UIP-2019-04-1218) is funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guopeng Yu ◽  
Zhibin Yu

In response to the twin development challenges of energy shortage and water-scarcity in worldwide arid to semi-arid regions with geothermal resources, a new combined power and freshwater generation system is proposed for geothermal energy utilization. In this system, a total-flow turbine (TF) is employed to be coupled with the traditional single-flash (SF) system and thereafter the coupled TF-SF system is investigated in this work. In addition to power generation, the exhaust steam from turbines are recovered to produce freshwater through condensation. Based on the novel designed system, the production of both power and water are studied under variable wellhead conditions, including variable wellhead pressures, temperatures, mass flowrates, and vapor qualities. The temperature of the separating point at which the total-flow expansion ends and the steam expansion starts is studied for optimal system output. In addition, the efficiency effects of the total-flow turbine on performance of the combined system is also investigated. The power generation comparison shows good power potential of the proposed TF-SF combined system. An effective total-flow turbine with an average efficiency of 65% can lead to an optimal power capacity, exceeding the traditional single-flash (SF) system by 23.7%. Moreover, more than 1/3 of total wellhead discharge can be recovered as desalinated freshwater by the naturally equipped condensation process of the power plant, showing extra benefit from geothermal energy utilization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6 Part B) ◽  
pp. 4083-4093
Author(s):  
Stefan Denda ◽  
Jasna Micic ◽  
Ana Milanovic-Pesic ◽  
Jovana Brankov ◽  
Zeljko Bjeljac

Despite the significant natural potential, geothermal energy in Serbia has traditionally been used in balneology and recreation, while its share in the country?s total energy balance is almost negligible (0.05%). The present paper deals with the City Municipality of Vranjska Banja as a pioneer in the territory of Serbia in using geothermal energy for heating. The concept and methodology of the present research are directly related to the utilization of geothermal resources for district heating in the Vranjska Banja area. The presented analysis includes: determining the available amount of energy, identifying the energy needs of selected public facilities, and the estimation of investment necessary for energy utilization. A survey, combined with field research, is focused on four public facilities connected to the heating system relying on geothermal sources, as well as on two facilities that should be connected to the system in the next phases. The results show economic, ecological, and technological advantages of using geothermal heating systems, as well as the acceptable price of equipment maintenance. An economic assessment of the transition of one facility from the existing heating system to a system relying on geothermal energy has also been made. The analysis confirms the cost-effectiveness of using geothermal energy and reveals numerous ecological advantages (safe heating, absence of CO2 emission) over other energy sources.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estelle Petitclerc ◽  
Pierre Gerard ◽  
Xavier Devleeschouwer ◽  
Bertrand François ◽  
Marijke Huysmans ◽  
...  

<p>In 2015, a legal framework was implemented in the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) where passive construction has been mandatory with an obliged heat demand not exceeding 15 kW<sub>h</sub>/m<sup>2</sup>. Since 2015, the interest in installing shallow geothermal systems has significantly increased. However, limited knowledge of ground conditions, lack of public awareness and the urban nature of the Brussels area restrict the development of shallow geothermal systems despite the high potential of this technique in the RBC. The BRUGEO project aims to facilitate accessibility and the efficient use of shallow geothermal energy in the BCR specifically for commercial and residential sectors. Thanks to Brussels ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funding a consortium of all major actors in geothermal energy were brought together (ULB, Brussels Environment, BBRI, VUB, and GSB). During the  four years project (2016-2020), specific actions promoting the geothermal potential were addressed: 1- Collect existing data related to the knowledge on Brussels subsurface (geological, hydrogeological, and geothermal data) and consolidate them in a single database; 2- Conduct new laboratory and field tests in order to complete geological analyses and to assess geothermal parameters; 3- Map the geothermal potential for open and closed systems. The Geological Survey of Belgium (GSB) has created, during the last 7 years, a GIS based 2D-3D geological model of the BCR underground. 9266 drillings and geotechnical data collected in and around the BCR have been used to create the Brustrati3D model generating interpolated top and base surfaces for 19 geological layers representing the whole lithostratigraphic sequence from Quaternary to the Paleozoic basement. An important exploration phase was included in the first two years of the BRUGEO project to acquire new data improving the geological and hydrogeological knowledge of BCR. Several in-situ parameters are measured by e.g. new piezometers implementation and monitoring, pumping tests, cores sampling, logging and enhanced thermal response tests (eTRT). These measurements are implemented as far as possible on future private projects by a win-win approach. The idea is to be grafted on existing projects to increase the data acquisition and to avoid purely exploratory drilling that are expensive and not used later for any geothermal exploitation. So far, the BRUGEO consortium has also conducted three exploration drillings to assess the lithology, the structure, the groundwater flows, and geophysical properties of the Cambrian basement (Brabant Massif). In parallel, laboratory measurements are achieved to characterize the determinant thermal parameters of the Brussels underground. From all the subsurface data collected, the BRUGEO consortium aims at mapping the geothermal potential of the BCR. This web-based mapping, accessible to design offices, installers of geothermal systems, citizens, public and private stakeholders or regional and municipalities administrations, will make it easier to foster the use of geothermal energy. The web portal will consist of an interactive decision support and a design tool based on maps built thanks to the geoscientific 3D models and geothermal parameters assessed during BRUGEO. The results are expected to be published online in March 2020.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Hamm ◽  
Laure Capar ◽  
Perrine Mas ◽  
Philippe Calcagno ◽  
Séverine Caritg-Monnot

<p>In Ile-de-France region, in the center of Paris Basin, geothermal energy contributes to a large extent to the supply of heating networks with about 50 of the 70 deep geothermal installations dedicated to district heating in France. Those installations mainly exploit the Dogger limestones between 1500-2000 m deep, which are present throughout the Paris Basin. In the case of Centre Val-de Loire region, south of Paris Basin, deep geothermal energy is very little developed, only one geothermal well is currently in operation and targeting the Triassic aquifer at Chateauroux on the southern edge of the basin. A former doublet had also targeted the Trias at Melleray (Orléans metropolis) in the 1980’s but was shut down after one year due to reinjection problem.</p><p>In 2019, Orléans metropolis, in collaboration with BRGM, has launched a program in order to investigate its deep geothermal resources like the Dogger and Trias aquifers between 900 m and 1500 m deep. This action is in line with Orléans métropolis Territorial Climate Air Energy Plan (PCAET) and master plan for the heating networks adopted which foresee 65 000 additional dwellings to be connected using geothermal energy based heating networks.</p><p>In order to reduce the risks of failure of deep geothermal drilling, one of the prerequisites is a better knowledge of the subsurface. This requires the development of an accurate 3D subsurface geomodel as well as the most reliable possible hydrodynamic and thermal parameters to assess the geothermal potential. The purpose of this work was to produce a 3D geological model of the Dogger and Triassic units, on the scale of Orléans Metropolis, based on hydrocarbon and geothermal well data as well as interpretation of 2D seismic data. Seismic data acquired in the 1960s and the 1980s were processed and interpreted. A particular attention was paid to the Sennely fault and its geometry. It crosses the study area and was interpreted as a relay fault segmented in three parts. The horizon picking points were then converted from two-way time to depth and integrated in the GeoModeller software for the development of the 3D geomodel. It was then used for first hydrothermal simulations in order to assess the theorical potential of the Dogger and Trias aquifers at Orléans metropolis.</p><p>The 3D geomodel and first geothermal potential assessment have allowed defining areas of interest for geothermal development into the Dogger or Trias. However an initial exploratory drilling well or additional exploration techniques will be necessary to confirm/specify the reservoir properties (useful thickness, porosity, permeability) and the connectivity of the reservoir(s) and the flow rates that can actually be exploited, which cannot be predicted by the current geological model.</p>


Author(s):  
Emmanuel Yeri Kombe ◽  
Joseph Muguthu

The East African Rift is among the most crucial regions of the world endowed with a remarkable geothermal potential. Using current technologies, East African countries have a geothermal power potential of more than 15,000 MWe. Nevertheless, the zone is still at an early stage of geothermal development with few plants producing a few hundred MWe. Among East African countries that have carried out research on geothermal resources, Kenya is leading in utilising geothermal energy resources for electricity generation. Eritrea, Uganda, Tanzania and Djibouti are at exploration stage while Malawi and Rwanda have so far not gone past geothermal resource potential record work. This study sought to address the challenges and barriers to the adoption of geothermal energy as well as the strategies to implement geothermal energy plans in East Africa.


Author(s):  
Annamária Nádor ◽  
László Sebess-Zilahi ◽  
Ágnes Rotár-Szalkai ◽  
Ágnes Gulyás ◽  
Tamara Markovic

Abstract The Pannonian basin in Central Europe is well known for its rich geothermal resources. Although geothermal energy has been utilised, mainly for direct use purposes, for a long time, there are still a lot of untapped resources. This paper presents novel methods for outlining and assessing the theoretical and technical potential of partly still unknown geothermal reservoirs, based on a case study from the Dráva basin, one of the sub-basins of the Pannonian basin along the Hungarian–Croatian border. The presented methods include reservoir delineation based on combining geological bounding surfaces of the Upper Pannonian basin-fill units with a set of isotherms deriving from a conductive geothermal model. The geothermal potential of each identified reservoir was calculated by a Monte Carlo method, which was considered as being represented by the heat content of the fluids stored in the effective pore space (‘moveable fluid’). The results underline the great untapped geothermal potential of the Dráva basin, especially that of the reservoir storing thermal water of 50–75°C, which has the largest volume and the greatest stored heat content.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Tomaszewska ◽  
Anna Sowiżdżał ◽  
Anna Chmielowska

Abstract Geothermal resources have been used in Poland since the 90s of the last century. Since then, several geothermal heating plants, recreation and balneological centers have been operated. Accessing geothermal resources is possible due to deep boreholes that are either brand-new wells or old but revitalized petroleum and/or exploratory wells. In this case, the construction of production and injection wells is of significant importance. The utilization of deep geothermal energy resources is strongly dependent on the binding domestic law regulations – primarily in case of acquiring the concession enabling an execution of geological and drilling works, and subsequently a proper exploitation. The paper presents the current state of development of the geothermal energy sector in Poland, indicating examples of exploitation systems based on deep boreholes. Furthermore, the constructions of existing wells are discussed extensively. The existing examples of old but reconstructed wells in Poland, are characterized. The importance of national law and its influence on the development of a geothermal investment is highlighted, as well.


2020 ◽  
pp. 42-56
Author(s):  
A. Dolinsky ◽  
◽  
D. Chalaev ◽  
A. Pereyaslavtseva ◽  
N. Silnyagina ◽  
...  

Geothermal resources are an almost inexhaustible environmentally friendly source of renewable energy. In Ukraine, there are large reserves of hot thermal waters, which are practically not used for the needs of heat power engineering. Analysis of literature data and previous developments carried out at the institutes of IET and IVE NAS of Ukraine made it possible to correct the general and technically possible potential of geothermal energy in Ukraine and determine the most promising directions for the development and implementation of geothermal energy. According to expert estimates, the theoretically possible energy potential of geothermal energy in Ukraine is more than 40 GW in capacity, and the economically viable potential is about 10 GW. The main area of application of geothermal energy in Ukraine is small-scale energy, within which it is possible to create local geothermal energy complexes for the production of electrical and thermal energy, the extraction of useful mineral compounds. The list of modern technologies that are successfully used in the world, and which, in our opinion, must be applied in Ukraine should include: - introduction of technologies of geothermal circulation systems (GCS) with the injection of spent (cooled) geothermal fluid into the aquifer; - introduction of technologies for double-circuit geothermal power supply systems using corrosion-resistant heat exchangers and preinsulated pipelines made of high-strength composite materials; - introduction of GCS technologies with the use of a downhole coaxial heat exchanger of the “pipe-in-pipe” type; - development of technologies for the construction of high-rate wells with horizontal or inclined shafts in an aquifer; - conversion of a significant number of individual idle wells of oil and gas fields to the extraction of geothermal energy using deep coaxial heat exchangers of the “pipe in pipe” type and creating a circulation loop with an intermediate heat carrier; - introduction of modern binary GeoPPs of medium and low power on the basis of serial power modules, for example, “Obcon Powerbox”, Sweden or “Ormat”, Israel and the organization of production of such equipment in Ukraine; - introduction of heat pump technologies to increase the temperature potential of the coolant on the basis of vapor compression heat pumps or absorption thermotransformers; - development and implementation of integrated technologies for the utilization of geothermal energy and the extraction of useful hydromineral resources. A significant reserve for the extraction of geothermal energy is suspended wells in the territory of gas fields, of which there are several thousand on the territory of Ukraine. The developed oil and gas fields, even after their complete closure for the production of hydrocarbons, remain an important energy resource, primarily in the regions of their location, and in the development of state policy and appropriate measures at the state level, and the resource of the entire fuel and energy complex of Ukraine.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document