Utilization of deep geothermal energy in the Czech Republic: possibilities, present state and prospects

0503164 - GLÚ 2019 RIV CZ eng J - Článek v odborném periodiku
Pošmourný, K. - Coubal, Miroslav - Valenta, J.
Utilization of deep geothermal energy in the Czech Republic: possibilities, present state and prospects.
Geotechnika. Roč. 2018, č. 1 (2018), s. 10-18. ISSN 1211-913X
Institucionální podpora: RVO:67985831
Klíčová slova: geothermal energy * utilization * Bohemian Massif * possible resources
Obor OECD: Geology

The recently completed studies on the possible utilization of geothermal energy in the Czech Republic (Myslil et al., 2007, 2011, Kloz, Pošmourný, 2014 etc.) revealed that the only possible resource to be used for electricity and heat production is the deep geothermal energy at a level of ca. 5 km under the earth surface. At the given geological conditions, specifically those in the Bohemian Massif, we presume especially the utilization of a principle previously known as HDR (hot dry rock), lately called the EGS (Engineering/Enhancing Geothermal System). This entails a construction of an underground heat exchanger at a depth with temperatures of 150 °C or preferably around 200 °C. Within Europe, the closest example of such system is known from Alsace, France, where a geothermal power plant is in operation at Soultz-sous-Forets. The exploratory geothermal borehole PVGT-LT1 in Litoměřice represents the first specialized experiment to obtain information on geothermal conditions, as yet from a depth of max. 2110 m (Myslil et al., 2008). It is a future prospect to build a geothermal heat plant and power plant at this site. The essential problem in the utilization of deep geothermal energy in the Czech Republic is the absolute absence of temperature data from deeper levels. In Bohemia, only 8 boreholes adjusted to temperature measurements deeper than 1500 m are available. About 40 such boreholes lie in Moravia. Another problem is the very uneven distribution of exploratory boreholes and also a lower reliability of measurements from older boreholes drilled for other purposes than the study of geothermal heat. Deeper boreholes with elevated temperatures mostly concentrate to certain small areas formerly subjected to mineral exploration, particularly those focused on lignite and bituminous coal or, in rare cases, oil exploration. In general, a prominent relationship between geothermally prospective areas and deep-seated faults and areas of young Tertiary volcanism (and its deeply rooted ascent path) can be observed in geological conditions of the Czech Republic. The most obvious links between heat anomalies and geological factors in the Czech Republic exist in the Krušné hory Mts. piedmont area and a part of the Krušné hory Mts., and the whole region of the Elbe Fault Zone. A coincidence of heat anomalies and several different fault systems is also observed in the Permo-Carboniferous basins in this region. Another area with a relatively high concentration of heat anomalies is the Upper Silesian Basin, where elevated temperatures are probably
associated with deep-reaching ascent paths as well as Mesozoic basic volcanism. An important progress in the knowledge of geothermal heat in the Bohemian Massif can be achieved by the implementation of results of deep refraction profiles within the Celebration project and the reflection seismic profile within the Dekorp project.


Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0294988