| Abstract |
In order to integrate the energy-efficient and ecologically safe geothermal resources into an energy balanced heat supply in the central European regions of Russia it is necessary to solve a number of technical and technological problems related, particularly, to the moderate temperatures of geothermal fluid (up to 55-60?C at depths of 2.0-2.5 km) and high salinity (more than 200 g/dm3). Moreover, the factors of high capital investment and existing financial barriers are of great significance. The Yaroslavl Region feasibility studies for geothermal project have been made: one for a village, another for a block of houses, with a capacity of ~7 and 11 MW respectively. The feasibility studies were made on the basis of economic-mathematical simulation and investigation of heat-mass transfer processes within a geothermal circulating system (GCS) with an aquifer, as well as test drilling and hydrogeological studies of the aquifer accomplished in a well with the help of formation tester. To substantiate international sponsorship, a financial and economical analysis of a project (for Rybinsk, the Yaroslavl Region) has been carried out using the World Bank / Global Environment Facility (GEF) recommendations. This revealed a rational, in terms of net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR), financing plan for the project with the utilization of the World Bank's preferential credits and possible grants from the GEF and other sponsoring organizations. The experience of submitting an application for a project with GEF sponsorship has shown, that under conditions, when the prices for energy resources, such as natural gas and electric power, are 3-5 and 1.5-2.5 times, respectively, lower in the central European part of Russia than the world level, the original GEF economic concept should be adjusted taking into account real price-increase dynamics for energy resources in these regions, as well as the relation between these prices and the table of rates for heat energy in regions of Russia. Taking into account the primary expectations from introducing the developed projects in the Yaroslavl Region: the annual saving of fuel up to 7700 tons of equivalent fuel (5400 t o.e.), reduction of thermal energy net cost by 1.5-2.0 time, reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 13000 tons per year - the introduction of the indicated technology into other regions with proved geothermal resources potential will meet the global purpose of creation of heat-generating systems based on local renewable and ecologically safe energy sources in Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. |