Drilling to begin for Czech geothermal project
The EU-funded PUSH-IT project is ready to begin drilling wells planned for a geothermal energy storage and collection system in Litoměřice. Two shallow exploratory wells of 550 metres and 200 metres will be drilled to provide data for the design of the overall system. This is the initial phase of an EU-subsidised project called SYNERGYS, whose aim is to enable the comprehensive use of geothermal energy for local heating in Litoměřice. Although it has the potential, Czechia is one of Europe’s least developed countries in the geothermal energy field. It is therefore missing a major opportunity to increase the share of renewable energy sources, cut emissions, meet climate targets and enhance its own energy security. SYNERGYS is an important step in this direction.
Gathering data, ensuring safe operation
The measurements taken in the two exploratory wells will provide information on groundwater abundance and flow direction that are important for determining how many wells to drill, their depth and overall efficiency. About 500 metres of core will be taken from the deeper well to provide scientists with detailed geological and geothermal data that will offer insight into things such as the total thermal capacity of the storage. “Both wells will subsequently be used for long-term monitoring of marginal conditions,” explains Zdeněk Venera, director of PUSH-IT project partner Czech Geological Survey, in a news item posted on ‘ThinkGeoEnergy’. “This will ensure the safe operation of the entire facility, and the data obtained will also be used for the following amendment of the legislation.” Subsequent plans are to expand the monitoring network by drilling additional wells on the edge of each well field and at its centre. Together with the existing seismic network, this creates a unique test site with fully functional heat sources for the existing district heating network. The geothermal project in Litoměřice has been in the planning for many years, having to adjust to legislative changes, a variety of financing options and changing societal needs. Drilling has also been delayed by almost a year. “For a number of months, we were unable to find a contractor for the tender,” remarks Dr Antonín Tym of PUSH-IT project partner Charles University, Czechia. “The number of suitable companies, professionally and technologically sufficiently equipped, is limited. In addition, the drilling sector is overloaded, which is also reflected in the number of offers. However, thanks to related projects financed by European funds, preparatory work was already underway during 2022, and thus there was no major delay in the schedule.” Dr Tym adds: “Thanks to the PUSH-IT project, it was possible to finance the first stage, which includes two exploratory wells that will provide data for the design of the structure, the total number and the depth of the main wells that will already be used for storing and collecting heat.” PUSH-IT (Piloting Underground Storage of Heat In geoThermal reservoirs) ends in December 2026. For more information, please see: PUSH-IT project website
Keywords
PUSH-IT, well, geothermal, heat, energy, storage, exploratory well, Litoměřice
