After three decades of planning, Košice is set to begin its long-awaited geothermal energy project today.
This initiative aims to provide eco-friendly heating to the eastern Slovak city through a deep geothermal well located at the Svinica-Ďurkov site. The well, which is expected to reach a temperature of 135°C, will yield 55 litres of water per second. The project will also feature two reinjection wells, drilled to a depth of 3,700 m, with the final one scheduled to be completed by mid-June next year.
The geothermal heating project is being spearheaded by Geoterm Košice, a subsidiary of Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), in partnership with MH Teplárenský holding and the city of Košice. The latter has supported the project by including it as a key priority in its spatial development plan, approved earlier this year. In 2021, the partners signed a memorandum to harness the geothermal potential of the Slanské Hills for heat production in Košice.
Mayor Jaroslav Polaček expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am very pleased that after so many years, the people of Košice have finally seen it, and the use of geothermal energy is now within reach." He highlighted that the project had faced numerous challenges but emphasised that overcoming these obstacles will position Košice as a leader in sustainable heating.
The geothermal source is expected to provide 90 to 100 MWt of thermal energy annually, supplying almost 175,000 MWh of energy each year to the city’s central heating system. This will significantly reduce Košice's reliance on natural gas and contribute to its goal of carbon neutrality. The project will also offer stable heating prices for residents.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project has received financial backing, including substantial EU funding. The geothermal wells, along with the required pipeline, will involve an investment of around €53mn, with EU support covering a third of the cost. The first geothermal heat supplies are expected to reach Košice by early 2028.
Once operational, the project will not only make Košice greener but will also set a benchmark for geothermal energy use across Europe.