Geothermal energy developments in the district heating of Szeged

The District Heating Company of Szeged supplies heat and domestic hot water to 27,000 households and 500 public buildings in Szeged. In 2015, the company decided to introduce geothermal sources into 4 of its 23 heating circuits and started the preparation activities of the development. Preliminary investigations revealed that injection into the sandstone reservoir and the hydraulic connection with already existing wells pose the greatest hydrogeological risks, while placement and operation of wells in a densely populated area are the most significant above-the-ground obstacles. In the present study, the first project planned for the “Odessza” housing estate is summarised, and an analysis of integrating geothermal into district heating is offered.