Assessment of the Lower Carboniferous-Devonian Aquifer as a Source of Geothermal Energy in the Silesian–Kraków Region (Poland)

Antoni Barbacki, Maciej Miecznik, Barbara Tomaszewska and Robert Skrzypczak
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Antoni Barbacki: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Maciej Miecznik: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Barbara Tomaszewska: Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Robert Skrzypczak: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-261 Kraków, Poland

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-17

Abstract: In view of the disastrous air pollution in the Silesian–Kraków region, reducing emissions from the combustion of conventional fuels is a particularly important issue. Geothermal energy is among the clean and renewable sources of heat that could be used to this end, for instance for recreation or space heating purposes. However, its use in the region is limited, mainly due to insufficient knowledge of the characteristics of the geothermal complexes present. Mesozoic complexes in the region have much smaller energy resources compared to the Polish Lowlands or Podhale, but Paleozoic ones, mainly the Lower Carboniferous and Devonian, offer realistic prospects for energy extraction. The aim of this study was to identify geothermal conditions within the Lower Carboniferous–Devonian complex, primarily in terms of using the waters present there for space heating purposes. The prospective zones identified and indicated during the research are only forecasts, and their actual utility can only be confirmed after new wells have been drilled to verify the actual conditions.

Keywords: geothermal energy; Paleozoic aquifer; exploration perspectives; Silesian–Kraków region; Poland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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