Analysis and possible geothermal energy utilization in a municipality of Panonian Basin of Serbia

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Energy goal of Serbia is to reach the share of 27% renewables in its final energy consumption by the year 2020. Geothermal energy is the source that can significantly contribute to the achievement of this goal, particularly in the domain of direct utilization. Indjija municipality is located in the northern part of Serbia and is a typical representative of a region in the Pannonian Basin. In Indjija municipality two exploration boreholes are drilled. Conducted analysis has shown that one of them (Indj-3/H) did not achieve expected results and was labeled as negative. The second (Indj-1/H) was labeled valid for the evaluation of prospective use of geothermal fluid. The results have shown that around 1.25×106 m3 of water can be obtained annually from the second drill. With complete effusion in the drill Indj-1/H, a total of 10.85 GWh can be expected annually. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the geothermal energy potential of Indjija municipality based on two exploratory drill sites. Firstly, geomorphological, geological, geophysical, hydrogeological and hydrothermal characteristics of the area are determined. In addition to this, physicochemical characteristics of geothermal and mineral waters, as well as drill's capacity are analyzed. In accordance with the results, possible applications of the geothermal fluid are considered and recommendations for direct use are given. Feasibility study was conducted for a combined multifunctional system. Investment is profitable after 3-5 years depending of the scenarios. It is concluded that balneology, spas, sports and tourism activities, as well as sanitary hot water supply and space heating are the most appropriate forms for direct use.