Clean heat from the Earth's interior
The geothermal system in Pyrzyce is one of the oldest and most recognizable renewable energy sources in Poland. Thanks to utilizing heat accumulated deep beneath the earth's surface, the city has been minimizing fossil fuel consumption and reducing pollutant emissions since the 90s, while ensuring residents receive ecological thermal energy.
Project roots and history
The idea of using geothermal energy in Pyrzyce dates back to the early 1990s. Between 1992–1997, a comprehensive heating system was created covering a geothermal heating plant together with a transmission network approx. 15 km long and 66 heating substations.
In December 1994, the company Geotermia Pyrzyce Sp. z o.o. was established - its shareholders include the National and Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, the Pyrzyce municipality, and the State Treasury. Thanks to this, the investment could be realized on an industrial scale.
Geothermal resources - where energy comes from
Geothermal waters used in Pyrzyce come from a depth of approx. 1600–1770 m below the surface and reach temperatures of approx. 61–65.5 °C. These are Lower Jurassic waters with good temperature and hydraulic parameters, which can be effectively used in the municipal heating system.
Minerals present in these waters also make them valuable from a balneological perspective - they meet conditions for applications in mineral baths, inhalations, and therapeutic pools.
Wells and technological solutions
The Pyrzyce geothermal system uses at least five geothermal wells, and in practice, the most important functions are performed by production and injection wells, including the new GT-1 bis well. This directional well, drilled to a depth of approx. 1770 m, has a yield of approx. 200 m³/h, which increases the system's production capabilities.
The heating plant itself was designed as geothermal-gas, i.e., with a system of heat exchangers cooperating with absorption pumps and gas boilers. Such a solution gives stable thermal power throughout the heating season.
How geothermal works daily
The geothermal installation supplies heat to apartments, public utility facilities, and other consumers during the heating season and domestic hot water throughout the year. Thanks to this, Pyrzyce residents benefit from one of the cheapest and most ecological sources of renewable energy.
The share of geothermal energy in the heat production balance is constantly growing - one of the company's goals is to achieve a target of 65% heat production from RES.
Benefits for environment and residents
Utilization of geothermal waters means:
- Lower fossil fuel consumption,
- Reduction of harmful substance emissions into the atmosphere,
- Stable and comparably cheap heat source,
- Potential for development of health and recreational services thanks to mineral properties of waters.
Geotermia Pyrzyce is a unique and durable element of the local energy system. Thanks to using underground waters, the city obtains renewable heat, reduces emissions, and develops health and recreational possibilities. It is an example of effective and long-term energy transformation on a local scale, from which both the environment and city residents benefit