12/9/2017

Verkís presents the results of the Poddebice geothermal district heating project

The conference focused on topics related to the potential of geothermal utilization in the town of Poddebice in Poland. Verkís has provided consultation and set forth proposals for the possible expansion of the existing geothermal power plant in Poddebice and Óskar Pétur discussed these proposals in one of his presentations at the conference.

The geothermal district heating system in Poddebice went into operation in 2012 and has now been in operation for five years. At present it provides 5,5 MW_th which suffices to serve part of the town's demand for heating and hot water. Plans of an expansion up to 18 MW_th involve the goal of supplying the heat requirements of all residents of the town, which number close to eight thousand. It is also hoped that the knowledge and experience gained from the project can be used to increase the number of areas in Poland that will utilise geothermal heating systems in the future.

Óskar Pétur presented a cost analysis of the various power plant installations that require enlargement or expanding in order for the expansion to be realized. He also suggested that a gas pump be used for peak power requirements, as this solution would probably cheaper than using a heat pump. Verkís' proposals also recommend drilling a second well, in addition to the single well serving the plant at present. Thus, electricity and fuel cost for heating in the future will be almost none.

The current production capacity of the heating plant is 190 m³/h. A 100 kW pump was installed at a depth of 90 meters in the production well and to date it has been operated at a maximum of 50% of its capacity. It is possible to operate this pump at higher performance, or up to 260 m³/h.

Verkís consulted on the above project in collaboration with ÍSOR, for the Icelandic National Energy Authority.