Description
Hungary, especially the North Great Plain region is very rich in geothermal energy; nearly 200 wells are situated in the region. Currently most of them are used for balneology and wellness purposes, but these are also suitable for agricultural use or for producing renewable energy. The aim of the project is to use the thermal water in a two unit system which is sustainable in both environmental and economic sense. The first unit is a gas engine which utilizes the methane content of the thermal water to gain electricity, while the second unit is an algae bioreactor which utilizes the nutrients of the combustion gases generated by the gas engine. Algae may produce oil which can be processed to biodiesel, while the high protein content of the algae can be used for fish feeds for partly or fully replacing the animal protein. The main outcome of the project is a “unit technology” which, due to its modular set-up, can be multiplied upon request. The project will serve a pilot example for the integrated, environment friendly utilisation of thermal water (and the greenhouse gases in it), moreover, the experiences gained can be used in the utilisation of other thermal wells or biogas plants.
Summary of project results
Hungary, especially the North Great Plain region is very rich in geothermal energy; nearly 200 wells are situated in the region. Currently most of them are used for balneology and wellness purposes, but these are also suitable for agricultural use or for producing renewable energy. The aim of the project was to use the thermal water in a two unit system which is sustainable in both environmental and economic sense. The first unit is a gas engine which utilizes the methane content of the thermal water to gain electricity, while the second unit is an algae bioreactor which utilizes the nutrients of the combustion gases generated by the gas engine. Algae may produce oil which can be processed to biodiesel, while the high protein content of the algae can be used for fish feeds for partly or fully replacing the animal protein. The main outcome of the project is a “unit technology” which, due to its modular set-up, can be multiplied upon request. The project serves a pilot example for the integrated, environment friendly utilisation of thermal water (and the greenhouse gases in it), moreover, the experiences gained can be used in the utilisation of other thermal wells or biogas plants.
Summary of bilateral results