Description
In line with the EU common objectives, the national renewable energy target of reaching 14,65% in the final energy consumption by 2020 as well as to reduce GHG emissions by 20% is defined in the Hungarian National Energy Strategy 2030, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, the National Building Energy Efficiency Strategy and National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2010-2020. The objective of the project is to provide 10 researchers of the Hungarian Geological and Geophysical Institute with theoretical practical knowledge through a postgraduate short course to be held at the Reykjavik University in the field of renewable energy solutions. The course will provide specific knowledge development of environmentally sustainable and economically viable green economy. The Project Partner is the Reykjavik University, whose training programme has been customized to the needs of the beneficiary states from the EEA Financial Mechanisms, is not only about lecturing but about helping participants to discover new ideas and practical methods through effective and efficient teaching methods based on active participation, dialogue and problem based learning. Its responsibilities include assessment of training needs, development of training programs, and provision of instructors as well as training materials. The project includes lectures and study trips as well as introduction of best practises, which can be learnt and adopted from Iceland. The short course introduces fundaments of geothermal, geothermal subsurface and surface exploration, geothermal investments and financial risk analysis, applied technologies as well as alternative solutions less known in Hungary. There will be an opportunity to exchange experience, to unfold difficulties and problems and to discuss possible solutions. In addition to the technical knowledge and experience to be gained during the course, bilateral contacts can be strengthened between participants, instructors and institutions as well.
Summary of project results
Within the frame of the core project’s activity, 11 researchers of the former Hungarian Geological and Geophysical Institute (today called as Mining and Geological Survey of Hungary) participated in the „Geothermal Energy Overview” short course held by the UNU-GTP in Reykjavík, Iceland. During the course, the researchers gained insight into geothermal related topics, for example research methods, usage possibilities, geothermal systems, economic benefits of geothermal energy utilization, research, monitoring and environmental considerations of geothermal energy production, geothermal heating systems. During the fieldtrip examples of geothermal utilization, geothermal fields and geothermal phenomena’s were attended. The project’s core activity was supplemented by additional activities, including a study for the Vecsés pilot area, a location with good geothermal potential and existing heat market. The study showed how the integrated interpretation of modern geological and geophysical data can contribute to localize future drilling sites, thus to reduce risks of geological exploration. Additional activity included analyses of thermal waters and scale precipitations in the Alföld Region at locations of existing geothermal district heating systems. The increased knowledge on thermal water composition provided additional information for the long-term and sustainable management of these systems to manage operational problems. Furthermore, the “national geothermal database” was updated and supplemented and the new harmonized data content was integrated into the national borehole register (GeoBank). In the framework of the additional activities, 15 researchers participated at the „European Geosciences Union 2017 General Assembly” and „International Multidisciplinary Conference on Mineral and Thermal Waters” conferences. Finally, the institution purchased handbooks related to geothermal energy, which are available for the public at the National Geological Library.
Summary of bilateral results
The involved donor project partner, Orkustofnun’s (OS) staff were participated in the implementation of the project. Thanks to this cooperation one training programme and field trip was implemented in Iceland, where the participants discussed on opportunities of further cooperation, e.g. preparation and implementation of joint international projects. Improved knowledge and understanding were the main achievements on bilateral level. Bilateral fund did not involve and contribute to strengthening bilateral relations at this project.