Construction starts on geothermal pilot plant in Slovenia
Hydropower plant by DEM, Slovenia (source: HSE Group)
Carlo Cariaga
23 Jan 2023
State-owned DEM is set to start the construction of a 50-kW geothermal pilot plant in Lendava, Slovenia that aims to produce power from an existing gas well.
Dravske Elektrarne Maribor (DEM) has announced the start of construction of 50-kW geothermal pilot plant in the village of Centiba in the Municipality of Lendava, Slovenia. Construction of the pilot plant is being carried out by Petrol Geo and it is expected to start commercial operations by April 2024.
DEM is a Slovenian hydropower producer and is a unit of state-owned electricity producer and trader Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE). Originally announced in 2021, DEM plans to utilize an well Pg-8, an existing non-productive gas well to produce geothermal power. This pilot plant will test a patented technology using a geothermal gravity heat pipe that produces sufficient heat flux for electricity generation at depths greater than two kilometers. Should the pilot prove successful, the technology can then be used for other abandoned gas wells in Slovenia and around the world.
In mid-2022, DEM was granted the building permit for the pilot plant by the Lendava Administrative Unit. During the granting of the permit, DEM indicated that testing of the wellbore can begin by July 2023 with a target operation date of the power plant on April 2024.
“The implementation of the project represents a new step on the path of development and transition to a low-carbon society. The project is an added value for the local community, as well as for the whole of Slovenia,” said DEM General Director Damjan Seme.
Source: SeeNews
