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Alexandroupolis, a seaside municipality on Greece’s northeast coast, will soon have cost-effective geothermal energy and heating.
As the world continues to look for sustainable energy solutions, geothermal energy exploration can be essential for countries with access to it. In the next 18 months, Greece will implement and complete a new project to explore the Antheia-Aristino low-enthalpy geothermal field near Alexandroupolis.
Geothermal fluid of more than 90 ⁰C
Geothermal energy is obtained through heat derived within the sub-surface of the earth from water and/or steam, carrying geothermal energy to the surface. Depending on its characteristics, geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling purposes or be harnessed to generate clean electricity. However, electricity can only be generated in areas close to tectonically active regions. The Antheia-Aristino field is considered one the most important geothermal fields located in Greece, mainly due to the availability of geothermal fluid of more than 90 ⁰C temperature and its potential for exploitation.
Part of IRIS Smart Cities
Unlocking this low-enthalpy geothermal field is the most important objective of Alexandroupolis’ strategic plan towards a resilient, low-carbon local economy. Alexandroupolis is the administrative centre of the Regional Unit of Evros and constitutes an interconnection gate between Mediterranean and Asian countries. This beautiful seaside city works with a network of smart and sustainable cities (including Gothenburg, Utrecht & Nice) to accelerate deployment and improve performance as part of their work in IRIS Smart Cities.
The investment
The investment for constructing the geothermal district heating network amounted to 6.2 million euros. The project was eligible for funding by the ERDF Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020 of the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, which financed 95,31%. The Municipality’s capital invested the remaining 4,69%.
The first step of the exploitation of the available geothermal energy
It was a long journey for the Municipality of Alexandroupolis to finally secure a lease to exploit the geothermal field. The project includes the development of a geothermal district heating network that will provide heat for municipal buildings, social housing and greenhouses with a total thermal power estimated at 10 ΜW. It is considered the first step in exploiting the available geothermal energy since the Municipality aims to expand the geothermal district heating network to residential buildings and potential industrial consumers.
Working within IRIS, Alexandroupolis and other fellow cities have identified extensive insights on barriers and drivers in flexible energy management and storage as part of the "Replication Roadmap". This was developed as part of the project to benefit from in-depth peer-to-peer exchanges with frontrunner cities.
Lessons learned
The lessons learned during the project's development highlight the increased effort and time required to complete studies and licensing. Accounting for time and expenses in licensing is an important point to raise when considering the replicability of geothermal projects in other regions and cities.