Stability of geothermal waters parameters as a major factor guaranteeing the possibility of its use and discharge into the environment

Abstract

Geothermal waters are considered a type of renewable energy source. Waters with elevated temperatures are also used in balneotherapy. In each type of use, the stability of the basic parameters guarantees the reliable operation of the plant. On the other hand, useable geothermal waters, which in legal terms are usually wastewater, are discharged into a surface water reservoir or injected into the rock. The diversity of geothermal waters use options creates the need to assess stability. Low and known variability of the basic parameters is extremely important for the protection of the receiving environment or the reliability of the injection process. This paper identifies the basic parameters, the relationships between them and a methodology for assessing their stability, which has not been widely used to date. The approach presented is universal and can be successfully applied to other geothermal installations anywhere in the world.