Geothermal district heating in Košice
Overview
With a population of 260,000, Košice will soon host one of Central Europe's largest district heating systems, an example of modern engineering designed to deliver cozy warmth to over 60,000 apartments. At its core lies the TEKO combined heat plant, that through a sophisticated network of pipes, receive geothermal heat to power the city's heating needs. This integration of geothermal energy marks a monumental shift towards sustainability, with an estimated annual supply of 2,100 GJ accounting for a staggering 48% of TEKO's total heat production.
The geothermal resource in Kosice is considered the largest in Slovakia, with the capacity to provide heat to 171,000 customers and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 54,000 tons per year. Additionally, the geothermal project aims to supply residual heat for various purposes, including agriculture and recreation, along the 15-kilometer route of the heat pipe.
The benefits of this geothermal revolution are far-reaching, extending beyond mere warmth to embrace a greener, cleaner future for Košice . Unlike traditional energy sources, geothermal energy is inherently eco-friendly, leaving behind no trace of pollution. Once utilized, the geothermal water is seamlessly reinjected into the Earth, creating a closed-loop system that operates in perfect harmony with nature.
“This unique project solves the acute problem of Slovakia’s dependence on the import of fossil fuels and their use in the heating industry. It will support the use of renewable energy sources, which we have committed to as a member of the European Union in the context of the energy and climate crisis”
Background
The discovery of a significant geothermal water reservoir in the Kosice basin of Eastern Slovakia dates back to earlier exploration efforts focused on hydrocarbon deposits. Confirmation of the predicted parameters of the geothermal water came through the drilling of three exploration wells in the Svinica village area between 1998 and 1999. Subsequent seismic measurements, including both 2D and 3D seismic studies, along with hydrodynamic tests conducted from 2000 to 2001, further solidified the findings. Drawing upon the comprehensive geological and tectonic insights gathered during this extensive period of research, it is evident that the Košice basin stands as one of the most productive and significant geothermal fields on the European continent.
“We have known about the geothermal resource near Košice for more than two decades, but unfortunately we have not been able to use its potential until now. That is why it was an absolute priority for me to make the green and sustainable energy project a reality. Today we are closer to fulfilling our dream of ecological heat for our city than ever before. Košice is becoming a Slovak leader in the use of geothermal energy, thanks to all those who were willing to listen, discuss and finally act”
Technical details
The geothermal heating project in Košice entails the establishment of three geothermal stations across the villages of Bidovce, Durkov, and Olsovany, each equipped with a total of 5 doublets, comprising production and reinjection wells. Alongside these wells, heat exchanger stations will be installed within the geothermal stations. Geothermal water, harnessed for its heat, will transfer its thermal energy to secondary heating water via these heat exchangers before being reinjected into the ground. The heated water will then circulate through a 16 km pipeline network leading to Košice , where it will be utilized for space heating purposes. The initial stage of the project aims to deliver a total heat output of 100 MWt.
Investments
The Slovakia Program for the Just Transition Fund approved a proposal to designate the geothermal energy project in the Kosice Basin as a national priority endeavor. This decision unlocks funding of EUR 56.1 million, aimed at facilitating the provision of geothermal heat to the Kosice region by 2026. The project developer MH Teplarensky Holding, in collaboration with partner GEOTERM KOSICE, will be responsible for applying for the allocated funds. The overall project cost is estimated to be EUR 96 million.
Summary
Water temperature on wellhead: 130°
Water flow rate: 65 l/s
TDS: 30 g/l
Energy potential of one well: ~20 MWt
People benefitting: 171,000 customers
CO2 emissions reduced: 54,000 tons per year