Belgrade district-heating utility Beogradske Elektrane has launched a tender for exploratory geothermal drilling at its New Belgrade and Miljakovac heating plants, moving the programme from geological studies to field testing.
The two sites were identified as having the strongest technical and economic potential for integrating geothermal energy into the city’s district-heating network.
Exploratory wells will test the temperature, quantity and availability of underground water and compare the results with earlier geological models. Temperature and geothermal-gradient readings will be taken every 50 metres.
The contractor will also monitor rock formations, drilling fluids and gases that could indicate groundwater inflows. Laboratory analysis will examine the geological characteristics of Mesozoic and Neogene formations at the sites.
This is the third stage of the programme. The first two phases concentrated on modelling and technical assessment, while the new work will determine whether commercially useful geothermal resources are present.
If confirmed, geothermal heat could reduce the district-heating system’s dependence on fossil fuels, lower exposure to gas-price volatility and cut emissions. However, investment decisions will depend on the temperature and sustainable flow rate of the available water, as well as the cost of connecting it to existing infrastructure.
Bids are due by Oct. 19. The drilling results will determine whether geothermal energy can progress from a diversification concept to an investable component of Belgrade’s heating system.
