| Title | Geothermal development in Hungary country update report 2000 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Miklós Árpási |
| Year | 2003 |
| Conference | European Geothermal Conference |
| Keywords | country update, balneology, direct use |
| Abstract | Information is provided on the status of the geothermal energy utilization – direct use – in Hungary with emphasis on developments between 2000–2002. Level of utilization of geothermal energy in the World has been increased in this period. Geothermal energy was the leading producer with 70% of the total electricity production of the renewables energy sources (wind. solar, geothermal and tidal) followed by wind energy with 28% of the electricity production. The current cost in USD¢/kWh of direct heat use from biomass is 1–5, geothermal 0,5–5 and solar heating 3–20. The parameters of direct use in Hungary were decreased in this period and the proportion of geothermal energy utilization in the energy balance of Hungary, despite the significance proven dynamic reserves (with reinjection) of 380 Mm3/a with heat content of 63,5 PJ/a at ΔT = 40 oC is remained very low (0,25%). The utilization of the geothermal energy only for direct use, despite of the possibility of production of geothermal fluids with surface temperature higher than 100oC, no electricity has been generated. Geothermal energy utilization for direct use is estimated to 324,5 MWt of geothermal capacity and to currently supply 2804 TJ/a of utilized heat energy through direct application in Hungary, by December 31, 2002. Geothermal heat pumps represent about 4,0 MWt of installed capacity. The quantity of produced thermal water for direct use in year 2002 was approximately 15.0 million cu.m. with average utilization temperature of 30oC. The main consumer of geothermal energy remained the horticultural utilization (68% of total amount of utilized geothermal heat for direct use). No utilization of geothermal heat in balneology (260 spas in country) despite the huge amount – 82 million cu.m. in year 2002 – of produced thermal water with average surface temperature = 68oC. Amount of non utilized geothermal capacity in spas of Hungary approximately 1250 MWt that more than 3 times more than utilized capacity for direct use in Hungary, by 31 December 2002 (324,5 MWt). |