Balçova Geothermal District Heating in Izmir
Overview
The city of Izmir, Turkey, is home of the Balçova Geothermal District Heating System (BJBIS), one of the world's largest geothermal district heating systems. BJBIS boasts an impressive capacity of 160 MWt, efficiently heating more than 3.5 million square meters of indoor space. This expansive network includes the Balçova and Narlıdere District Heating Systems, Dokuz Eylül Hospital, Balçova Thermal Hotel, various therapy and beauty centers, swimming pools, prestigious hotels like Prenses Hotel and Hotel Crown Plaza, University of Economics, Inciraltı student dormitories, and the Sahil Evleri district heating.
What sets the Izmir Geothermal Central Heating System apart from conventional heating systems is its operation based on a variable flow rate with a constant temperature difference. By maintaining a consistent returning temperature of 40°C, the system maximizes geothermal resource utilization. This approach significantly reduces pumping costs, requires smaller pipe diameters, and results in a more economical investment. Consequently, the system not only represents the most cost-effective investment but also optimizes operational costs.
The geothermal field supporting this system remains sustainable, consistently providing reliable heating. By the end of December 2023, the heating service area had grown to the equivalent of approximately 40,000 houses, serving 26,300 subscribers. This achievement highlights the system's capacity to provide eco-friendly and cost-effective heating solutions on a large scale, setting a benchmark for geothermal energy applications worldwide.
The Balçova Geothermal District Heating System exemplifies how innovative geothermal technology can transform urban heating infrastructure, delivering sustainable and economical heating solutions. As cities around the globe seek to reduce carbon footprints and embrace renewable energy, the success of BJBIS offers a compelling model for future developments in geothermal district heating systems.
History of the site
Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, a law regulating hot waters and healing waters for drinking and bathing was enacted in 1926. The General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) was subsequently founded in 1935.
In the 1960s, MTA embarked on geological surveys, initiated international cooperation projects, and updated the inventory of hot and mineral waters. In 1962, the General Directorate drilled its first exploratory borehole in Izmir-Balçova in 1963, discovering hot water and steam at a temperature of 124°C at a depth of 40 meters.
Located 15 km west of Izmir city center within Balçova district, the Balçova Geothermal Field has a history dating back to 1200 BC and was used as a healing center during the Hellenistic period. The renowned poet Homer, author of the Iliad and Odyssey, lived in Izmir in the 8th century BC. In the Iliad, Homer references commanders Agamemnon and Menelaos, who led the Akhai army during the Trojan campaign. After their soldiers were healed in these waters, facilities and baths were constructed over a 4 km2 area to harness the healing properties of the waters. Remnants of these structures, including a water well and a cellar, have survived to this day. Known as Agamemnon Hot Springs, the site remains a prominent thermal tourism destination, significantly contributing to Balçova's economy.
Technical details
The geothermal field features two reservoirs: a shallow one and a deep one. Shallow wells are less than 200 meters deep, while the deep production wells range from 400 to 1,100 meters, with reservoir temperatures reaching up to 140°C.
Today, the system has an installed capacity equivalent of approximately 160 MWt. It is one of the world's largest geothermal district heating systems, with a closed area heating capacity of 3,750,000 m².
Key components of the system include production, re-injection, and observation wells, extensive pipeline networks, heat centers, and pump stations. The current infrastructure includes 4 observation wells, about 400 km of pipeline, 9 heat centers, 2 sub-heat centers, and 2 pump stations.
Summary
Depth of drilling: 200-1,000 meters
Leght of wells: 400 km of pipeline
Geothermal power: 160 MWt
Area covered: 3,750,000 m²
Reservoir temperatures: up to 140°C
Units covered: 40,000 houses