ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News

Geothermal energy could be used beyond heating and recreation in Poland

During the currently held Polish National Geothermal Congress in Zakopane, scientists highlight the potential role of geothermal energy for the country for heating, but also beyond for food production.

According to scientists participating in the 6th National Geothermal Congress in Zakopane/ Poland this week, geothermal energy in Poland could not only be used for heating networks or bathing sites, but it can also be used in organic farming, thermophilic fish farming or in wood drying process.

-Currently, the share of geothermal heating in Poland is at a level of only below one percent, but this field will continue to develop. There is a very large social acceptance for geothermal energy, while unfortunately, there is still a belief that it is expensive and it does not pay off. We are trying to systematically realize that it is worth using geothermal heat, which is emission-free and this is our natural resource, according to Prof. Beata Kepinska, President of the Polish Geothermal Association.

There are currently six geothermal heat plants in Poland. Hot springs also fuel a dozen or so recreation centers and spas. In Poland, a dozen or so research wells are being carried out, which will serve the exploitation purpose in the future.

As noted by Prof. Kepinska, the greatest interest regarding the development of geothermal energy in Poland goes towards recreation and treatment. “I am pointing here, among others, to the area of Mszczonów, where the largest recreational center in Europe is being built, which will also use geothermal water.” she said.

However, geothermal energy is not only about heating and recreation. In recent years, the development of so-called shallow geothermal energy has been taking place in Poland, i.e. the use of the ground-source heat resource for other purposes.

“There are completely non-standard use of geothermal sources in Poland. For example, we have a breeding of thermophilic Atlantic salmon in Trzesacz, which successfully uses geothermal energy.” said Prof. Kepinska

In Podhale, at the Polish Academy of Sciences in the Institute for Mineral Resources and Energy, for several years there was experimental breeding of thermophilic fish and vegetable growing, in which geothermal heat was used to heat crops under covers. It turned out that these are areas that are also well-developed in Poland.

“The fast growing organic agriculture in Poland also wants to use this energy source. This is a very desirable way of food production, because more and more often the recipients of such food want to know that it is produced thanks to clean energy. “, so Prof. Kepinska

She argued that in Poland where there is adequate geothermal water resources, ecological farming may flourish.

“Soon after drilling a new well in Szaflary and Konin, [Poland further has] the chance to join 24 countries that use geothermal energy to produce electricity”, so Beata Kepinska.
Marek Hajto, vice president of PSG, emphasized during a press conference today, that current estimates indicate that approx. 30% of Poland has geothermal resources that can be used in an efficient and cost-effective way to develop thermal energy.

Source: Net TG.pl

Exit mobile version