Estonia tests groundwater heating potential in the south

Geological studies have begun in southern Estonia to identify the best location for a pilot plant that would extract heat from groundwater, ERR reports.

Test drilling is under way near the Mammaste health and sports centre in Põlva municipality. Researchers hope to find a geological layer with good water permeability, which would make it possible to develop the heating system.

The preliminary study will assess whether there is enough groundwater underground, and whether it is warm enough to be used in a heat exchanger to warm water for the centre. The centre is currently heated with expensive natural gas, said Kurmet Müürsepp, head of the municipality’s construction and planning department.

Groundwater has not previously been studied for this kind of heating use in Estonia. The project aims to develop geothermal energy solutions suited to local conditions. The studies will cost a total of 1.2 million euros.

The AVATAR project plans to build a pilot plant that will extract energy from groundwater and monitor the results. The findings, including whether the system is economically viable and under what conditions, will be made public, said geologist Tiit Rahe of the Geological Survey.

Groundwater use is also being investigated in Rõuge and Tõrva. The pilot plant will be built at the location judged most suitable based on the drilling results.