A COMPUTER-BASED SIMULATION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY UTILIZATION IN CONDITIONS OF SLOVAK REPUBLIC.

Coverage of Slovakia's energy needs depends primarily on collecting energy from abroad (mostly from the Russian Federation). Therefore, the state is inclined to making substantial use of renewable energy sources, which are also environmentally less aggressive. Slovakia has a significant potential in geothermal energy. The systematic investigation of geothermal energy sources using geothermal wells started in 1971 in Slovakia. There are 120 registered geothermal wells in Slovakia, which proved about 1787 l.s-1 of geothermal waters with the temperature ranging from 18 to 129°C on the wellhead. The heat output of the utilized geothermal waters to reference temperature of 15°C is 306,8 MWt. Mentioned outputs represent 5,5% of the total geothermal energy potential of Slovakia which was evaluated to 6653,0 MWt by geological research. The geothermal waters are used at 36 sites in total for district heating, agriculture and recreation. It was distinguished 26 geothermal areas for obtaining and use of geothermal water. Differing degree of available hydrogeothermal exploration results is characteristic for particular geothermal areas. A number of geothermal water reservoirs in Slovakia and the existence of many district heating systems, with utilization of geothermal energy are ideal conditions for expansion of geothermal projects. For the purpose of assessment utilization of geothermal resources was created a computer model. This model reflects technical and economic constraints. Input parameters working with this model include temperature, yield and relevant level of mineralization, respectively chemical type of water. Among the additional parameters of this model belongs availability of resources with sufficient disposal capacity, the possibility of reinjection the geothermal waters, as well as the availability of delivery points, or the possibility of central heating. Use of this model may be a useful tool in decision-making activities on the direction of investment in a particular area of geothermal energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]