Review of the Low-Enthalpy Lower Cretaceous Geothermal Energy Resources in Poland as an Environmentally Friendly Source of Heat for Urban District Heating Systems

Leszek Pająk, Barbara Tomaszewska, Wiesław Bujakowski, Bogusław Bielec and Marta Dendys
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Leszek Pająk: AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Barbara Tomaszewska: AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Wiesław Bujakowski: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wybickiego 7A str., 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Bogusław Bielec: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wybickiego 7A str., 31-261 Kraków, Poland
Marta Dendys: AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: The paper presents a review of the geological and hydrogeological data of the Lower Cretaceous aquifer in the Polish Lowlands and discusses the possibilities for the utilisation of geothermal water resources in existing and new district heating systems. Based on experience related to the use of thermal waters in existing geothermal systems, and using data from the literature, assessments have been made of the energy and environmental effects of the application of low-enthalpy geothermal resources from the Lower Cretaceous aquifer as a source of heat for urban district heating systems. The authors concluded that the implementation of such solutions could result in the production of approximately 4 PJ of geothermal energy annually. To date, these resources have only been developed in three locations—Mszczonów, Uniejów and Podd?bice—with the total amount of energy generated annually reaching 100 TJ/year. Similar district heating networks in 120 nearby localities have been also identified. Here, specified geological and hydrogeological conditions enable the extraction of heat from the investigated Lower Cretaceous aquifer, with the aim of using this for heating purposes. To achieve this goal, multiple measures are required, including the following: raising public awareness through appropriate education programmes aimed at the youngest school children; systemic, efficient energy management measures at the central, regional and local levels, and providing financial support and ensuring regulations and laws aimed at improving the development of geothermal resources.

Keywords: geothermal water; geothermal energy; earth and environmental sciences; district heating; sustainable development; environmental effect (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
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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