Energy from the depths of the earth for the city and region
Geotermia Koło is one of the important examples of utilizing renewable thermal energy resources in central Poland. The project relies on the exploitation of warm underground waters occurring in the geological structures of the Polish Lowlands and constitutes a significant element of the region's energy transformation aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Geothermal resources of the Koło region
The city of Koło is located in an area with favorable geothermal conditions associated with the occurrence of Mesozoic formations, specifically Lower Cretaceous formations. It is from these layers that geothermal waters with stable temperature and hydraulic parameters are obtained, enabling their effective use in district heating.
Geothermal waters are exploited from depths exceeding 2 000 meters, where they reach temperatures of around 70 °C. These parameters allow for the direct application of geothermal energy for district heating production.
Wells and technical infrastructure
The geothermal system in Koło relies on an arrangement of production and injection wells operating in a closed system. Hot water extracted from the production well gives up heat in exchangers, after which – cooled – it is reinjected back into the reservoir, ensuring its long-term and safe exploitation.
The applied pipelines and installations are made of materials resistant to corrosion and elevated salinity, which is crucial for system durability and reliability of operation over a long time horizon.
What geothermal energy in Koło is used for
The primary purpose of geothermal energy in Koło is powering the municipal heating system. Geotermia supplies:
- heat for heating residential buildings,
- thermal energy for public utility facilities,
- domestic hot water.
The system cooperates with conventional heat sources, which perform a peak function during periods of highest demand, ensuring continuity and security of supply.
Significance for the environment and residents
Launching geothermal in Koło brings tangible ecological and social benefits. Utilizing energy from the Earth's interior:
- significantly reduces fossil fuel combustion,
- reduces emission of CO₂, dusts, and sulfur oxides,
- improves air quality in the city,
- stabilizes heat production costs in the long term.
Thanks to this, geothermal becomes not only an energy source but also a tool for improving residents' quality of life and building local energy security.
Geotermia Koło – development directions
The potential of geothermal resources in the Koło region creates prospects for further system development. In the future, it is possible to:
- increase the share of geothermal in the city's thermal balance,
- utilize waste heat in technological processes,
- develop recreational and balneological functions,
- integrate with other renewable energy sources.
Geotermia Koło thus fits into the long-term sustainable development strategy of the city and region.
Basic parameters of Koło Geothermal
Summary
Geotermia Koło is a modern and prospective source of renewable energy utilizing the Earth's natural resources safely and effectively. This project shows that in central Poland too, geothermal can become the foundation of a low-emission heating system, combining ecology, economy, and local development.