| Title | The Multifaceted Challenges of Refitting Legacy Geothermal District Heating Systems in Hungary |
|---|---|
| Authors | A. N. Toth, T. Lengyel, D. K. Fenerty, L.O. Sztermen |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Geothermal district heating (GDH) is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to transport the heat required for large-scale heating and cooling in residential and commercial properties. The method is well-suited for the EU's decarbonization roadmap, as these GDH systems hold great potential for providing clean, sustainable and efficient heating throughout Europe. Geothermal “district” heating was available in 23 towns in Hungary as of 2025, and represents a total installed capacity of 223.36 MWth and 2,288 TJ/y of heat production. Some of these are partial geo-DH systems, where geothermal energy contributes to existing, largely natural-gas supplied district heating infrastructure. In those cases, geothermal’s share is anywhere from 30 to 100%. The current article is intended as an instructional case, demonstrating the difficulties and challenges of re-fitting legacy a district heating system in Mátészalka, Hungary. The project under consideration would require introducing industrial high-temperature heat pumps where the heat source is based on geothermal water. In Hungary, as elsewhere in eastern Europe, the challenges often have less to do with technical problems and more to do with administrative, political and investment difficulties. These difficulties cannot be completely resolved until relevant stakeholders are persuaded that Geothermal is an effective means of providing heating, cooling and/or electricity. |