author: Raluca Covrig, Director Public Affairs & Communication, FPPG
We like to talk about global, regional contexts, about how good or bad others have done, about how good it is elsewhere. But, our optics, as Romanians, should be based on what we can do with the resources we have locally, because they are not few.
Admittedly, the current context is not easy to digest at any level when we have global security, health and energy crises to manage, and the much sought-after trio - stability, predictability and competitiveness - exists and not really.
But if we take the context of the energy transition and look at all the opportunities it has brought, how it has forced many industries, including the oil and gas industry (which has no less than 170 years of experience) out of their comfort zone and has led to innovation and the identification of other types of technologies that can contribute to our well-being as a country, we can only be proud that the experience and knowledge gained over 170 years is being put to maximum use in innovation.
Romania today has a unique opportunity: to diversify its energy sources by using what nature has been offering us for millions of years - the heat of magmatic rocks.
Geothermal closed loop system, an innovative and highly efficient technology that can be developed almost anywhere, could become an essential pillar of the country's energy security. However, this solution remains little known and unexploited at national level.
At a glance on how closed-loop systems work
Closed-loop geothermal systems have been around for 5 years and are currently used in 3 countries in the world USA, Canada, Germany.
The operating principle is simple, similar to that of the radiator. First, the drilling is carried out: This is a classic drilling rig used in the oil and gas industry.
Then the underground installation is made: In short, 2 pipes are inserted into the ground and joined together. Through this closed installation, demineralized water is injected from its own sources at reduced pressure when the system is switched on. The water is heated, thus extracting heat from the ground without affecting the ecological balance of the soil. Then, through the natural thermosyphon phenomenon, the hot water rises to the surface and generates heat or electricity through turbines. The water is then recirculated back into the system.
Unlike traditional geothermal, i.e. open-loop systems, which depend on the existence of natural hot water sources, closed-loop systems can be installed almost anywhere and do not require a specific geothermal reservoir. This versatility makes closed-loop systems a solution for Romania.
Benefits for Romanians
One of the main advantages of closed-loop geothermal energy is that provides a constant source of energy, independent of weather conditions. Unlike other renewable energy sources that fluctuate with the weather, geothermal energy is available 24/7, all year round. This stability makes it an extremely reliable source of energy, suitable for both heat and power generation, and therefore also for industrial uses.
Romania is one of the countries with the highest geothermal potential in Europe, with significant resources, especially in the western part of the country.
Although there are some geothermal energy projects in these areas, they are open-loop, which limits their scope. In contrast, closed-loop technology could be deployed on a large scale, including in urban or rural areas where other renewable energy resources are not as efficient or accessible.
Since we are talking about the advantages of closed-loop systems, another argument in their favor is low environmental impact.
As a closed system, the demineralized water used for heat transfer does not come into contact with the soil or groundwater, so there is no risk of contamination. In addition, the carbon footprint of these systems is non-existent, closed-loop systems are quiet and not disruptive to communities, and maintenance costs are low compared to other energy sources such as natural gas or nuclear power.
Legislation - the unresolved factor in the geothermal equation
Of course, now you're wondering: "OK, OK, if the solution has so many advantages, what is stopping us from implementing it in Romania?"
The answer may sound clichéd, but the steps we still have to take to make the technology a reality are few and small.
There are barriers to the use of closed-loop geothermal energy in Romania, including: an underdeveloped legislative framework and insufficient awareness among the population and policy makers.
The Romanian government and local authorities should pay more attention to developing the necessary infrastructure and legislation to stimulate investment in this sector. Many of the existing subsidies and tax facilities for renewable energy sources are not yet specifically tailored to closed-loop geothermal energy, which reduces its attractiveness to potential investors, as the upfront costs are considerable.
In addition to government support, there is also a need for wider public education on the benefits and operation of this technology. Many Romanians are familiar with solar or wind energy, but few know that geothermal energy is a viable and affordable option, especially in regions with high geothermal potential.
"So what can we do with the resources we already have?"
Very much. Closed-loop geothermal energy represents a major opportunity for Romania from an energy, environmental and economic point of view.
The impact of implementing the technology is a major one in increasing the well-being of Romanians. If currently 251TPTP7T of households fall below the poverty line after paying their energy bill, the implementation of this technology can help to decrease this percentage.
At a time when energy security and poverty reduction are a global priority, closed-loop geothermal technology offers sustainable and efficient solutions.
Let's not miss this train!
