Baltic state of Estonia exploring geothermal potential

Tallinn, Estonia (Source: Flickr, CC, By: Dennis Jarvis)

The Geological Survey of the Baltic State of Estonia started a pilot project to explore the geothermal potential in the country, so The Baltic Times in an article last month. The aim is to investigate the usability of geothermal energy in Estonia, as well as the use potential of mine water and seawater thermal energy. In addition to research, the aim is also to raise public awareness and prepare a strategy and action plan for the research and development of geothermal energy.

The Geological Survey is cooperating with Finland on two pilot projects. While the country has explored low-temperature/ shallow geothermal use with groundsource heat pumps,  there might be some opportunities for medium and high-temperature resources deeper than 500 m, so the article.

Last year, the pilot project on the use of geothermal energy was started, to explore the potential of geothermal energy in different parts of Estonia and as part of which two geothermal pilot plants will be built and cooperation with Finland started.

According to the Director of the Geological Survey of Estonia Sirli Sipp Kulli, the primary objective of the project is to demonstrate that different geothermal energy applications may be economically viable in the geological conditions of Estonia. “As part of the project we will investigate the usability of geothermal energy applications in Northern Estonia, as well as the use potential of mine water and seawater thermal energy applications. In the second phase of the project, we will examine the feasibility of constructing new test stations and introduce experimental geothermal energy plants,” she clarified in a statement in August 2021.

“In Vantaa, at Ruskeasuo, a 2,500 m well is currently being drilled, with the help of which the heating needs of 180 apartment buildings in the surrounding area are intended to be covered. In addition to heat, that station will also be used for district cooling,” so Aivar Auvaart, project manager for geothermal energy at the Geological Survey of Estonia.

“We will study the feasibility of setting up pilot plants, prepare the technical design and commission two pilot plants. We will also analyze the legislation and the necessary authorization procedures, and set up a database of borewells,” the project manager said.

The research project of the Geological Survey of Estonia will run until the end of 2024, the budget of the project is EUR 3.8 million and it will be financed using funds received from the sale of greenhouse gas emission credits.

Source: Baltic Times, Geological Survey of Estonia