| Abstract |
European geothermal activity has been well established in Italy (a member of the European Community) - high enthalpy sources, 450 on line or under construction and Iceland (not a member of the European Community) - large scale, low enthalpy, direct utilisation. In the recent past, several new sites have been under intense investigation and development. These include the Paris and Aquitaine Basins in France, the Milos and Nisyros Islands and Macedonia in Greece, the Latera reservoir in Central Italy, the Central sedimentary area of Spain and the hot dry rock prospects in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The ultimate purpose of the European Community and the research and developement efforts of the member states is to recover 50 million tons of oil equivalent (T.O.E.) through various forms of geothermal energy, amounting to 5% of the total energy consumption and savings of $10 million in import reductions at current oil prices. Europe is a continent containing most types of geothermal systems, such as geopressured, hot dry rocks and high and low enthalpy resources. This paper presents the general European geology, emphasizing those episodes that were essential in the creation of geothermal resources. Each individual new site is then examined including its geology, a description of the resource type and the outcome of the investigations to-date. Finally, the economics of development are reviewed taking into account the logistics. local markets and general economic feasibility of power generation and/or direct uti isation. Conclusions are drawn on the desirability and economic attractiveness of new geothermal developments. |