Some experiences in tapping deep thermal waters of the Triassic karstic aquifer in the Pannonian Basin of Serbia

Abstract

The Triassic karstic aquifer is the system with the greatest potential for the utilization of thermal waters in Serbia. As an integral part of the Dinaric tectonic unit, the Triassic aquifer extends widely over the western part of the Serbian territory and is characterized by cold waters. In contrast, the same but confined type of aquifer overlain by thick Tertiary sediments in the Pannonian Basin has significant geothermal potential. The major potential for tapping geothermal flow is in the southern and southwestern parts of the Pannonian Basin (Srem) and in the adjacent areas of Macva and Semberija in the Sava tectonic graben. In these areas the Triassic karstic aquifer has been tapped by several boreholes with depths ranging from 400 m to 2400 m. The temperature of the hottest water exceeds 75 °C, while maximal discharge is 40 l/s. Although the prospect of wider utilization of geothermal energy undoubtedly exists, some Serbian national plans count on a limited contribution of geothermal energy in renew...