In the process of heating Stargard with energy from the earth's interior, three separate and completely isolated circuits play a key role. Thanks to this, extracted brine never mixes with network water, and the system operates at highest efficiency.
1. Geothermal Circuit (Primary) – Energy Acquisition
This is a closed loop in which hot brine extracted from a depth of approx. 2.9 km circulates.
- Process: Hot brine reaches heat exchangers in the Mining Plant, releases its energy, and – still in a sealed system – is reinjected back into the reservoir. Thanks to this, the environment is protected from salinity, and the reservoir remains fully renewable.
2. Network Circuit (Transmission) – Transport and Reheating
This is an intermediary circuit, operated by PEC Stargard pipelines, which delivers heat to all parts of the city.
- Process: Clean network water is heated in exchangers by geothermal brine.
- System Support: In the heating season, PEC Stargard reheats the network water pre-heated by Geotermia to the required parameters. Thanks to this synergy, regardless of the frost outside, water with a temperature guaranteeing comfort always reaches municipal heating substations. After releasing heat in buildings, water returns to Geotermia, or Geotermia and PEC simultaneously (mainly in winter), to again absorb energy and raise the temperature of the water circulating in the network.
3. Consumer Circuit (Internal) – Heat at Home
These are installations located directly in blocks, houses, and public utility buildings.
- Process: In the building's heating substation, energy from the network circuit is transferred to internal installations. This stage ensures hot water in taps and the appropriate temperature in radiators.
Why is this system so effective?
The first two circuits - the cooperation of Geotermia with the PEC boiler house ensures reliability of energy supplies for residents. Geotermia constitutes the ecological base of the system (covering 100% of demand in the non-heating period), while PEC ensures that during the peak heating season, network water parameters are always perfectly matched to the needs of Stargard residents.