Geothermal Country Update for the Czech Republic

Transcription

1 Proceedings World Geothermal Congress 2015 Melbourne, Australia, April 2015 Geothermal Country Update for the Czech Republic Hana Jirakova, Michal Stibitz, Vaclav Frydrych, Marie Durajova GEOMEDIA Ltd., Hornokrcska 707/7, Prague 4, Czech Republic Keywords: Geothermal Energy, Heat Pumps, District Heating, Balneology, Litomerice Geothermal Well, R&D Projects ABSTRACT The geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic has been constantly increasing despite the financial demand especially in the initial investment phases. The territory of the Czech Republic is formed by granite bed rock of Bohemian Massif. Several cities in the Czech Republic consider the use of geothermal energy not only for district heating but also for electricity production. However, only one cogeneration geothermal project, in Litomerice, has been under development already. Numerous expert opinions and analytical studies are being collected (feasibility studies, geological project, financial and economic analysis, technical project, seismicity monitoring plan). Currently, the Litomerice project explores the possibilities to further extent research and development activities on-site. However, geothermal projects focusing on district heating and electricity generation as the second product are currently considered in more cities of the country. Although the first efforts for deep geothermal projects development are currently being undertaken, the most exploitable resources are those of low temperatures used for geothermal heating. The municipality of Decin is a typical example of geothermal district heating installation in the country. Heat acquired from cooling the water of 30 C is treated in a heating plant with other heat sources. Thermal water is used in spas, wellness centres and swimming pools. New thermal swimming pools are being constructed at many places. The most successful project using thermal groundwater for balneological purposes is located at Pasohlavky / Musov in the east-southern part of the Czech Republic, i.e. in Northern Vienna Basin. The most widespread technology of the geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic is linked to the installation of various types of heat pumps for domestic (e.g. houses) and public use (e.g. educational, administrative facilities). The statistics on the evolution of heat pump installations in the country is provided annually by Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. 1. INTRODUCTION The geothermal potential of the Czech Republic is significantly variable depending on geothermal, geological and hydrogeological conditions. Territory of the Czech Republic is formed by granite bedrock of the Bohemian Massif covered by sedimentary formation. The heat flux values depend on geological and tectonic setting, the thickness of the Earth s crust and volcanic activity. The highest heat flux values in the Bohemian Massif were measured in the northern part of West Bohemia (Krusne Hory - Erzgebirge, Saxothuringikum). With the exception of the Bohemian Massif, the exploitable geothermal resources are rather of low potential (heat pumps, balneology). Deep geothermal projects are being considered to be put in place at several sites in the Czech Republic. Virtually all of these projects consider utilization of technically challenging enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). Currently one deep geothermal project (EGS) in the advanced stage of preparation is under development in the municipality of Litomerice. Geothermal potential and developments in the Czech Republic have been continuously monitored and studied in the framework of Czech and international R&D projects. Two major current projects are: GeoDH - Promote Geothermal District Heating in Europe ( , The project is led by EGEC (European Geothermal Energy Council) and is co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of the EU. It focusses on the promotion of geothermal district heating systems in Europe. Partner for the Czech Republic is GEOMEDIA Ltd. IMAGE - Integrated Methods for Advanced Geothermal Exploration ( , The project is led by TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) and is co-funded from the Seventh Framework Programme of the EU. The Litomerice structure shall be used as a demonstration site for geophysical experiments and advanced geochemical investigation. Partner for the Czech Republic is GEOMEDIA Ltd. 2. SHALLOW GEOTHERMAL ENERGY USE HEAT PUMPS The most widespread technology of the shallow geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic is linked to the installation of various types of heat pumps. Despite high initial investments, the interest for such type of geothermal heating is growing. The investment recoverability is estimated up to 10 years. Moreover, increase of initial investment and extension of recoverability period may be caused by limited access to a geothermal resource. The constant growth in using geothermal heat pumps is observed in the country. Heat supply from low temperature heat pumps is the most widespread technology of geothermal potential use in the Czech Republic. 1

2 By the end of 2012, 46,000 heat pumps in total have been installed in the Czech Republic of which approximately 18,000 are geothermal. All heat pumps are used mainly for domestic use (87%) providing heat capacity 460,000 kw and public use (13%) with installed heat capacity 158,000 kw (Table 1). The overall installed capacity of geothermal heat pumps is around 233 MWt (all numbers refer to 2012). Every year, the number of this progressive heating technology is still growing in the country. Table 1: The total number of heat pump installations and installed capacity in in the Czech Republic (Bufka, 2013). Number of heat pump installations Installed capacity in kw Year Households Other Total Households Other Total , ,032 43,221 11,471 54, , ,845 48,869 15,624 64, , ,564 66,486 15,411 81, , ,015 65,992 20,108 86, ,757 1,137 8,895 89,492 26, ,037 TOTAL ( ) 40,059 5,729 45, , , ,755 Figure 1: Evolution of heat pump supply in the Czech Republic (modified from Bufka, 2013) Heat Pumps for Geothermal District Heating Although there are several sites favourable for the development of geothermal district heating systems in the Czech Republic, only the area around the municipality of Decin is a typical example of such a type of geothermal resource exploitation in the country. Central heating resource on the right Elbe river side of the municipality of Decin represents a unique project in the Czech Republic. An experimental borehole was drilled in 1998 and put in operation in 2002 by TERMO Decin Co. The geothermal borehole reaches 550 m below the surface. The temperature of spontaneous water outflow is approximately 30ºC. The heat pumps cool the water down to 10ºC and the water is consequently used for drinking purposes. Acquired heat is treated in the municipality heating plant with other heat sources (cogeneration gas engines and gas kettles). Installed capacity of individual facilities is given in Table 2. Table 2 Installed capacity of Heat Plant in Decin Heat pumps Cogeneration gas engine Cogeneration gas engine Gas kettles 2x 3.28 MWt 0.8 /1.01 MWt 1.94 /2.09 MWt 2x 16.5 MWt 2.2. Heat Pumps for Space Heating In addition to the geothermal installations for the city heat distribution, there are more installations for individual space heating in administrative buildings, universities, restaurants, hotels, monasteries, etc. In Brno, southeast of the Czech Republic, the administrative building, AZ, Tower was completed in 2013, and is so far the highest building in the country. The heating and cooling system applied in this building is unique as it uses heat pumps utilizing large diameter energy piles. Each energy pile is 30 m deep (total length 1,200 m) and is the base for the building. The building is 2

3 equipped with 4 heat pumps with total capacity of 280 kwt for heating and 250 kwt for cooling. Maximum temperature of heating system is 55 C. Due to the thermal stability of the technological devices, the system is able to switch between the heat extraction and heat storing state flexibly in the piles. This process contributes to more efficient building operation Geothermal Heat from Mine Water After 1989, economic losses forced mines in the Czech Republic to be abandoned and flooded. Use of available mine water for heating purposes can be extremely cost effective, particularly at mines where the water is already being pumped and treated. In the Czech Republic, small heating systems of mine water are currently in use. Jeremenko water pit was part of the former Ostrava Mine in the Ostrava - Vitkovice mining district in the Moravian-Silesian region. Former shafts Jeremenko No.1 and Jeremenko No.3 serve as pump stations for Ostrava basin mine drainage. Thermal potential of the mine water pumped from the Jeremenko water pits is used for over the 9 years. Mine water temperature reaches C. Heat pump with capacity 29.5 kwt heats water up to 55 C. Water is used for bathing purposes for employees and for the purposes of administrative building. Total installed capacity is 91 kwt. Svornost mine pit is located at the Jachymov mining district at the Krusne Hory - Erzgebirge. The Svornost mine pit was abandoned in The Svornost mine pit operates by pumping thermal water with considerable content of radon for the Jachymov Spa. Four thermal springs are used for balneology purpose in Jachymov Spa. The mine water is pumped from the depth of 500 m at the 12 th level of the Svornost mine pit (Veselovsky et al., 1997). Tab. 3 Temperature and yields of spring in Jachymov spa ( Spring Yield of spring Temperature Curie 30 l/min 29 C C1 30 l/min 29 C Behounek 300 l/min 36 C Agricola 10 l/min 29 C 3. BALNEOLOGY The direct use of thermal water is restricted to spas, wellness centres and swimming pools dating back several hundred years. 3.1.Traditional spas Janske Lazne: Janske Lazne Spa is situated at the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic at the Krkonose National Park. Thermal and mineral water with considerable content of radioactive elements outflow at the Janske Lazne Spa area. Thermal water with temperature 27.5 C is pumped for spa purposes from springs Jan and Cerny. Both springs originate at the depth of 50 m. The thermal water mineralisation is 300 mg/l of dissolved solids with the high content of calcium. There is one outdoor and two indoor thermal swimming pools. Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad): The Karlovy Vary Spa is situated 140 km west from Prague at the foothills of the Krusne Hory - Erzgebirge. The recharge area of the Karlovy Vary thermal water is located in upper granite blocks on both sides of the rift valley. Rainwater flows through fissures down to depth 1,000 m where the temperature is more than 100 C. The Vridlo spring is the thermal mineral water with natural temperature of 72 C, rich in CO2 (volume ration of 1:3 hot water to gas) and discharging 100 L/min. Post-volcanic activity appearing as degassing of residual magma in upper parts of the mantle in the area of interest represents the source of gaseous CO2. The thermal mineral water is used for bathing and drinking therapy and filling an outdoor thermal swimming pool as well. Teplice: Teplice Spa is situated at the foothills of the Krusne Hory Erzgebirge in the North Bohemia region. The history of the site is associated with thermal mineral springs. Natural mineral water is classified as hot water (39-48 C) of bicarbonate-sulphatesodium type with higher content of radon. Groundwater originates in the Teplice rhyolite structure more than 1,000 m below the surface. The thermal water is used for bathing purposes Recently developed wellness and spas Velke Losiny: The natural healing source uses natural, thermal and sulphurous mineral water with temperature of 36.8 C. The construction of Czech Republic s unique outside Thermal Park should be completed in autumn Pasohlavky: Pasohlavky spa potential was discovered by coincidence 20 years ago during the oil and gas exploration activities in the area of Pasohlavky. Pasohlavky village is situated in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic from geological point of view in the Vienna Basin. Two geothermal boreholes Musov-3G and Pasohlavky-2G supply the spa. Surface distance between the boreholes is 2,601 m. The investigation of Musov-3G borehole confirmed a temperature of 49.7 C at a depth of 1,455 m. Heat flux calculated for Musov-3G borehole equals 48.4 mw/m2. Maximum outflow during natural overflow reached 7 L/s and maximum outflow considering draw down of 47.8 m reached 17.2 L/s. Water temperature reached 48 C on the surface. Borehole Pasohlavky- 2G was drilled for re-injection purposes of the already utilized geothermal water from borehole G3. Nowadays, Pasohlavky-2G is used as a geothermal borehole with depth of 1,200 m (Chladilova, 2013). During hydrodynamic testing of G2 borehole, 40 L/s was constantly pumped with no significant drawdown of groundwater level and measured temperature was 40 C. The thermal water is utilized in wellness hotel and spa. Benesov nad Ploucnici: The thermal swimming pool Benesov nad Ploucnici is situated in the North Bohemian region about 10 km from the municipality of Decin. The thermal swimming pool with average water temperature of about 26 C was opened in

4 Brna: Brna is located in the area of thermal water occurrence in Cretaceous sandstone that ranges from Teplice and Decin to Benesov nad Ploucnici. In 1930, the ground source of thermal water with a temperature of 30 C was drilled to depth 327 m. The thermal swimming pool was built in close vicinity of the Elbe river bank one year later. In 2003, the borehole was replaced by the new one which is artesian. 4. DEEP GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Deep geothermal energy exploitation in the Czech Republic has been discussed for several years. Considering geological and geothermal conditions of the Bohemian Massif the only possibility to explore deep geothermal structures is via EGS technology. The first deep drilling project was developed in Litomerice, northwest of the Czech Republic. Other EGS projects are considered elsewhere in the Czech Republic, especially in the north where regional granite bodies of the Bohemian Massif are well developed. The geothermal R&D project focusing on deep geothermal energy use for both heat and electricity production via EGS technology was realized in Litomerice city, situated in the Czech Central Mountains, in the years The exploratory well PVGT LT-1 reaching the depth of 2,111 m is the first deep exploratory geothermal borehole in the territory of the Czech Republic. The well profile can be roughly divided in two parts upper 850 m covered by Cretaceous and Permocarboniferous sedimentary formations and lower part between 850 m and total depth of the borehole consisting of metamorphic and other crystalline basement rocks. The area of Litomerice is characterized by increased heat flow, around 70 mw/m 2 for the depth range between 850-1,000 m. However, higher values near 78 mw/m 2 are expected in the depth of 1,800 m below surface. It is not obvious whether such heat flow should be attributed to post-volcanic activity of the area or granitic pluton with intensive radiogenic heat production or combination of these. As this area is located on the same deep structure of Eger Rift, connection including some communication of thermal water is possible. The geothermal well became a subject of investigation in order to evaluate geothermal potential for the geothermal power plant construction and the heat exploitation from the depth up to 5,000 m. The summary of activities is given in Table 4. Table 4 History of the deep geothermal drilling project in Litomerice Pre-feasibility study to assess the geothermal potential and the possibility of utilising geothermal energy in Litomerice Surface geophysical survey of Litomerice structures Research project co-funded by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade: Drilling verification of geothermal structure of Litomerice. Exploratory drilling to a depth of 2,111 m, comprehensive set of geological and geophysical measurements and laboratory tests of core samples. Further enhancement of supporting studies (feasibility, technical), new temperature measurements and development of seismic monitoring network are in progress. Currently, the project of the underground geothermal heat reservoir EGS and project documentation for zoning permit for the geothermal heating plant is processed. Project is owned by the municipality. Temperature measurements were carried out repeatedly in Maximum measured temperature at the depth 1,800 m was 56.5 C and calculated temperature at the final depth of 2,111 m was 63.5 C. Recent activity in the city of Litomerice is a follow-up to geothermal research well construction enabling further steps towards the realization of adequate geothermal project aiming at heat and electricity generation from renewable resources and therefore contributing to development of local economy and new strategic industrial branch in the Czech Republic. In 2011 a SPV (special purpose vehicle) was founded with the name of 1. Geothermal Litomerice, a joint-stock company, which is 100% owned by the town of Litomerice and is dedicated solely to the implementation of the geothermal project and related activities. Since then, numerous expert opinions and analytical studies are being gathered such as feasibility studies, geological project, financial and economic analysis, technical project and seismicity monitoring plan. Seismicity monitoring network has been installed in the surrounding of the PVGT LT-1 well and currently consists of three seismic stations operating for several months. In the near future it is intended to enrich the monitoring network by three more seismic stations, including the PVGT LT-1 borehole itself. 4. CONCLUSION The degree of utilization of the geothermal energy in the Czech Republic is primarily driven by economic development. The trend of the geothermal energy use in the Czech Republic is growing, though the progress is relatively slow. Almost all currently utilised geothermal resources are located in shallow reservoirs. The Czech Republic has a long tradition in using thermal and mineral water in balneology. Geothermal energy is mostly exploited in order to ensure heating and cooling in residential areas using heat pump installations. Since 2010 there are more than 2,000 new geothermal heat pump installations every year. Beyond these individual installations, geothermal energy is being exploited also for district heating. Further development of geothermal energy use for complexes of administrative and commercial buildings is expected mainly with regards to the advanced energy management requirements. Geothermal potential and developments in the Czech Republic have been continuously monitored and studied in the framework of Czech and international R&D projects. Current EU-funded projects focus on utilization of shallow geothermal in district heating and on assessment of potential EGS project in the municipality of Litomerice. 4

5 REFERENCES Bufka, A.: Heat Pumps in 2012, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Results of statistical survey, (2013). Chladilova, M. Thermal mineral water in the area of Pasohlavky Musov. Bachelor s Thesis, Masaryk University in Brno [in Czech], (2013). ERU: Annual report from Electricity System in the Czech Republic 2011, (2012). Jirakova, H., Stibitz, M., Frydrych, V.: Geothermal Potential for Geothermal District Heating Development in the Czech Republic, Proceedings of the European Geothermal Congress 2013, Pisa, Italy, (2013). Jirakova, H., Stibitz, M., Frydrych, V.: Geothermal Energy Use, Country Update for Czech Republic, Proceedings of the European Geothermal Congress, Pisa, Italy, (2013). Jirakova, H., Prochazka, M., Dedecek, P., Kobr, M., Hrkal, Z., Huneau, F., Le Coustumer, P.: Geothermal assessment of the deep aquifers of the north western part of the Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic, 40 Geothermics , (2011). Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. Update of Energy Concept of the Czech Republic [in Czech], (2013). MVV Energie CZ: Press release, Decin Geothermal Resource is the decade project [in Czech], (2012). Schellschmidt, R., and Hurter,S.: Atlas of Geothermal Resources in Europe. European Commission, (2002). Stibitz, M., Jirakova, H., Frydrych, V.: Deep geothermal drilling in the Bohemian massif (Litomerice, Czech Republic). EAGE Sustainable Earth Sciences, Technologies for Sustainable Use of the Deep Sub-surface, Valencia, Spain, (2011). KEA Krajska energeticka agentura s.r.o., Brno: Assessment of renewable resources utilization in south Moravia [in Czech], (2003). Safanda, J., Dedecek, P., Kresl, M., Cermak, V.: Deep geothermal survey of GTPVLT-1 (Litomerice). Final report. Institute of Geophysics AS CR, v.v.i, Prague [in Czech], (2007). Veselovsky, F., Ondrus, P., Kominek, J.: History of the Jachymov (Joachimsthal) ore district. Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 42/4, (1997). STANDARD TABLES Table 1. Present and planned production of electricity. Geothermal Fossil Fuels Hydro Nuclear Other Renewables (photovoltaic, wind, biomass, biogas) Total In operation in December 2014* Under construction in December Funds committed, but not yet under construction in December 2014 Estimated total projected use by ,4 18, , ,4 * Figures refer to statistics of the Energy Regulatory Office in

6 Table 3. Utilization of geothermal energy for direct heat as of 31 December 2014 (other than heat pumps). Maximum Utilization 3) Annual Utilization Locality Type 1) Flow Rate Temperature ( o C) Enthalpy 2) (kj/kg) Ave. Flow Energy 4) (kg/s) Inlet Outlet Inlet Outlet (MWt) (kg/s) (TJ/yr) Factor 5) Velke Losiny B Pasohlavky - Musov 3G B Pasohlavky 2G B Janske Lazne B 27.5 Karlovy Vary B Teplice B Benesov nad Ploucnici B 26.0 Brna B Svornost B TOTAL ) B = Bathing and swimming (including balneology) Table 4. Geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps as of 31 December Locality Ground or Water Temp. Typical Heat Pump Rating or Number of Units Type 2) COP 3) Heating Equivalent Full Load Thermal Energy Used Cooling Energy ( o C) 1) (kw) Hr/Year 4) ( TJ/yr) (TJ/yr) Decin 30 3,280 2 W AZ Tower V Jeremenko water pit W 3.5 1,080 0 TOTAL 69 3, ) Report the average ground temperature for ground-coupled units or average well water or lake water temperature for water-source heat pumps. 2) V = vertical ground coupled; W = water source (well or lake water). Table 5. Summary table of geothermal direct heat uses as of 31 December Use Installed 1) Annual Energy Use 2) Factor 3) (MWt) (TJ/yr = J/yr) Individual Space Heating 4) 0 District Heating 4) 0 Air Conditioning (Cooling) 0.3 Greenhouse Heating 0 Fish Farming 0 Animal Farming 0 Agricultural Drying 5) 0 Industrial Process Heat 6) 0 Snow Melting 0 Bathing and Swimming 7) 0 Other Uses (specify) 0 Subtotal Geothermal Heat Pumps 300 TOTAL 300 6

7 Table 7. Allocation of professional personnel to geothermal activities (Restricted to personnel with University degrees). Year Professional Person-Years of Effort (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Total (1) Government (2) Public Utilities (3) Universities (including Research Institutes, Academy of Sciences) (4) Paid Foreign Consultants (5) Contributed Through Foreign Aid Programs (6) Private Industry Table 8. Total investments in geothermal in (2014) US$. Period Research & Development Incl. Surface Explor. & Exploration Drilling Field Development Including Production Drilling & Surface Equipment Utilization Funding Type Direct Electrical Private Public Million US$ Million US$ Million US$ Million US$ % % , , , ,