Geothermal Power Project 2003–2004: European Union Energy Framework Programme—ALTENER

This paper describes the Geothermal Power research project supported by the ALTENER-Energy Framework Programme of the EU. Four Hungarian, one Austrian, one Portuguese, and an Icelandic partner will implement the project starting from spring of 2003. The main objectives of the project are to develop an integrated feasibility study on the installation of small-scale geothermal power plants in Hungary combined with heating applications and balneological use via a cascading system. The intention is to provide a model for extended application throughout the Accession Countries and the EU-15. The envisaged major target is to identify the most feasible group of boreholes for the implementation of mini-power plants. For this purpose detailed financial viability studies will be made, taking into due consideration physical, technical and environmental parameters. More detailed information is available on the project website: www.geothermalpower.net