Geothermal Energy in Poland. Selected Aspects of Geothermal Resources Development

Geothermal energy is an ecological, renewable energy source. However, its effective utilization depends on many different factors, related to (i) hydrogeothermal conditions of the region, (ii) proper design of the investment and (iii) formal and legal framework. The characteristic features of geothermal investments are high investment expenditures resulted mostly from high drilling costs of geothermal wells. Hence, the critical element facilitating the utilization of geothermal energy is the financial support in the form of government grants or loans. Recently, geothermal resources in Poland are relatively underdeveloped as only 6 geothermal plants are in operation together with spa-and-wellness, and therapeutical centers. Geothermal potential confirmed by extended scientific studies is much higher, particularly in the Polish Lowlands where both the Lower Cretaceous and the Lower Jurassic aquifers reveal favourable hydrogeothermal conditions suitable for effective development of geothermal resources. The following paper presents the currently recognized geological conditions, which control the size of geothermal resources and macroeconomic determinants (financial support, energy prices), which control the operation of geothermal installations in Poland.