The Use of Geothermal Energy for Heating Buildings as an Option for Sustainable Urban Development in Slovakia

Andrea Senova,Erika Skvarekova,Jana Rybarova,Gabriel Wittenberger

doi:10.3390/pr10020289

Abstract

The use of geothermal energy (GE) and the green economy in the environment of Slovak municipalities and towns is significant, due to the reduction in the negative influences and impacts of human society’s constant consumer lifestyle. The authors highlight the use of modern scientific knowledge, practical experience, and ever-improving technologies in the field of renewable energy sources RES. The aim of this contribution is to draw attention to the under-utilization of GE’s potential in Slovakia. Given the country’s commitment to meeting emission limits under EU carbon neutrality agreements by 2050, the use of this resource is very pertinent. Slovakia has significant geothermal resources that are not currently sufficiently utilized. The article suggests using GE to heat housing units of the housing estate near the geothermal source. Three scenarios (60 °C (pessimistic), 65 °C (conservative), and 70 °C (optimistic)) were considered in our energy balance and economic advantage calculations. The green economy offers a sustainable way of using the earth’s resources. The financial calculations regarding the amount of investment, the expected financial return and the possible values of the saved emissions confirm the possibility of the further use of GE technology. The information under consideration can be used in other significant territories, which may be a theme for further research in this field.

Highlights

The necessity of achieving net zero global CO2 emissions by 2050, to achieve the target set in the Paris Agreement, has stimulated interest in the use of low‐carbon energy technologies, including geothermal energy
Our research has shown that the technology used has the best potential and the appropriateness of the subsequent investment is confirmed by further calculation
GTK‐1 borehole are similar to geothermal boreholes already created in the vicinity of the Podtatranska Basin

Summary

Introduction

The necessity of achieving net zero global CO2 emissions by 2050, to achieve the target set in the Paris Agreement, has stimulated interest in the use of low‐carbon energy technologies, including geothermal energy. There are changes in biodiversity, the migration of animal species, extinction, excessive deforestation, changing soil composition, and the contamination of water resources (increasing the acidity of the oceans). Population migration is another important manifestation of these changes [1]. The unprecedented nationwide COVID‐19 crisis that began in China at the end of 2019 has rapidly frozen emissions growth. All these reasons, among others, have led to increased interest in the research and development of sustainable and renewable energy (RES) technologies

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