Economic and Energy Profitability of Using Geothermal Resources on the Example of a Geothermal Heating Plant

Purpose: Presentation of the economic and energy benefits of using geothermal water to heat water in a municipal heating plant.Design/Methodology/Approach: Registration of geothermal water parameters used in the urban network.Estimation of the resulting energy and economic benefits of using geothermal water.A comparison of the geothermal energy obtained with the total energy produced by the heating plant.The studies were presented for a 12-month follow-up.Findings: An analysis of the geothermal heating plant's operation revealed that the thermal power obtained from the geothermal source fully met the energy demand only in June, July, and August.During these three months, the amount of geothermal energy exceeded 100 per cent of the total demand, resulting in surplus energy production.Water heating was required in the remaining months.Practical Implications: The presented results can be used to design or prepare the use of geothermal waters in other geothermal heating plants that are under construction or undergoing modernisation.Originality/Value: The advantages and disadvantages of using geothermal water in a geothermal heating plant are presented.The challenges associated with using geothermal waters, particularly saline ones, are emphasised.This research was conducted at an operational technical facility in a small town in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.