Sustainable Use of Petrothermal Resources—A Review of the Geological Conditions in Poland

Abstract

This article considers the possibility of using unconventional geothermal resources in enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) under Polish geological conditions. In order to obtain additional environmental benefits, EGS systems using CO2 as a medium were analyzed. In addition to the production of clean energy, this allows for the geological storage of CO2 during the energy production process. The aim of this paper is to analyze the geological conditions for EGS-CO2 systems. Criteria is established for selecting an optimal location for the implementation of the first pilot installation of this type in Poland. Due to the depth of deposition and predicted thermal and petrophysical parameters, the optimal location occurs in sedimentary rocks in the central part of the Polish Lowland (Krośniewice-Kutno area). However, other favorable zones meeting the established criteria for simultaneous energy production and CO2 sequestration have been identified in northwestern parts of Poland (Szczecin Trough) and in southern Poland, in the area of the Carpathian Foredeep (Upper Silesia region).