| Abstract |
There are minimal changes in the overall geothermal status in Macedonia, which comprise: introduction of one bigger (60 l/s – 75ºC) and several small boreholes (5 – 15 l/s, 30 – 55ºC), completion of the injection system for 1/3 of effluent water, application of heat exchanger (doublet system) for indirect utilization of the geothermal water in the district heating system of Kocani; finalization of the privatization process of existing spas; reconstruction of the heating installations in Negorci Spa and reconstruction in progress in Bansko Spa. Meanwhile, no new research and exploration activities have been performed. Nevertheless, it could be observed increased interest of small investors. About ten exploration concessions have been issued and initial steps of their organization are in progress. Also, there is an enhanced interest for power generation potential, but so far due to the available data and absence of state financial incentives, no any progress could be observed. On the other hand, the existing tariff system for heat supply of geothermal origin is still valid, even though it had clearly indicated that it has no positive influence to the development of this renewable resource. Such tariff system imposes artificial decrease of the selling price, while the development component is not included at all. The ground source heat pump systems have gone through the inexperienced period and nowadays are becoming more and more popular, although there are no any regulative or control mechanisms. The data concerning GSHP are by no means collected and registered. This country update for Macedonia gives summary of the geological background, known hydro-geothermal resources and their potential, present state of geothermal surveys & utilization and main projects’ characteristics, with identification and comments on the possibilities to overcome negatively influencing factors. |