Projects

1. Geological survey

completed phase

The initial phase involves an evaluation of existing geological data. We carried out seismic surveys, the results of which were processed and interpreted by our experts. The survey was followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the geological data and parameters of the territory, including the identification of areas with potential. We have successfully completed this phase for both projects, in the districts of Žiar nad Hronom and Prešov.

3. Exploration/production well

After the permitting process, drilling of the exploration well is initiated. Upon completion, the well will be categorized as a production well. The drilling process takes several weeks and is carried out under the supervision of experts using modern drilling and monitoring technologies. The borehole exceeds a depth of three kilometres and is intended for exploitation of geothermal water from the depths of the Earth.

4. Re-injection borehole

In addition to the production well, a so-called reinjection borehole is drilled. Together they form a well doublet. The purpose of the second borehole is to reinject the exploited geothermal water, after transferring its heat, back to the geothermal reservoir. This will create a closed loop that allows water to reheat and to be reused, to ensure maximum sustainability of this renewable energy source.

5. Use of geothermal water

After completion of the well, it is required to obtain a permit for temporary extraction and discharge of geothermal water. Furthermore, a hydrodynamic test is carried out, which is to confirm the assumptions of geothermal water parameters. Subsequently, a final report is drafted, and a calculation of water quantities is performed by a professionally qualified person. The final step at this stage is the final permit for permanent use and discharge of geothermal water, a retroactive well building permit is issued, as well as the commissioning of the well and the construction.

6. Power plant permit

Like wells, the power plant also has to go through a permitting process. This consists of several separate permits and certificates that must be obtained according to the law. These are:

• Regulatory approval in the EIA process – investigation procesdure, or “small” EIA (mandatory assessment is required for installations of 50 MWe and more)
• Approval of transmission and distribution grid operators
• certificate for the construction of an energy installation – requires approvals in previous steps
• zoning permit
• building permit

7. Construction of a geothermal facility

In addition to deep geothermal wells, facilities need to be built on the surface, where the geothermal energy will be converted into electricity and heat. The transport of heat to district heating systems is done via heat pipes and the connection to the electricity grid is achieved through the use of power lines. All surface facilities also require the appropriate permits (zoning permit, building permit) and occupation permit.

8. Commissioning

By the virtue of its independence from the time of year or hour of the day, a geothermal facility operates continuously, without interruptions. Maintenance is also an important part of operation and requires only a minimum time. The use of geothermal energy also defines an ongoing obligation to record the amount of extracted water. During its operations, we estimate tens of thousands of households to be supplied with green heat and electricity.