Geothermal energy and storage in Litoměřice
Overview
Litoměřice is a small city of 25,000 inhabitants, located close to Prague. Starting its energy transition in the early 2000s and introducing the first municipal energy plan in 2013, the city's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 27% by 2030 based on the 2005 level. Consequently, 40-50% of energy generation should come from renewable energy. To this end, an energy manager has been appointed by the municipality and further action promote Litoměřice's path in the direction of geothermal heating. Additionally, a public energy-saving fund allows municipal money to be directly invested in renewable energy projects. A new geothermal heating project will play a significant role in achieving Litoměřice's targets.
Research Infrastructure for Geothermal Energy (RINGEN), founded by the University of Prague, is the first research institution of its kind in Czechia. One of its test sites is located on a former army barracks site in Litoměřice, focusing on geothermal heat extraction and storage. The town has been a pioneer for Czechia's energy transition, employing solar water heaters since the 2000s. Now it is becoming a frontrunner even beyond its boarders with regard to climate friendly energy solutions.
Technical Data
After roughly 20 years of negotiations, in March 2023 all drilling permissions were ready. Then, between April and August 2023 the tendering of two exploratory first wells opened. Finally, after months of searching for a contractor, the drilling works began early 2024. The first well of 200 meters depth will assess the hydrogeological conditions of the local aquifer. Additionally, a seismograph has already been installed at a depth of 1.5 km, equipped with a fiber optic cable to monitor Earth temperatures. A second well, 500 meters deep, is under construction for rock exploration.
With the works continuing and participatory events enable Litoměřice's inhabitants to discover the future energy production site. Until the first operation, which is expected to take place in 2027, the project will remain mainly of scientific and research nature. Afterwards, heat from different surface energy sources such as solar, photovoltaic or waste heat is supposed to be stored in the geothermal reservoir at 100-, 200- and 500-meters depth. Most demanding in technical and financial terms will be the implementation of 2 boreholes of 3-4 km depth that could supply the city with up to 100 ºC warm water.
Future Outlook
The generated heat will support the local district heating system of Litoměřice, providing its inhabitants with energy for electricity, heating and cooling. To connect the future geothermal heat storage to the local energy grid, a smart network controller and plate heat exchanger will be developed as part of the EU funded project SYNERGYS (systems for energy synergies). An essential feature is the possibility of cooling the repository with groundwater which can then be used for air conditioning of buildings, a technology that is becoming ever more important. Overall, the project will require investments of more than one billion Czech crowns over the next 5 years.
Summary
Year of permission: 2023
Year of construction start: 2024
Expected well depth: two wells of 3-4 km
Temperature: 100 ºC