Utilization of geothermal springs as a renewable energy source: Vranjska Banja case study

Abstract

Despite the significant natural potential, geothermal energy in Serbia has traditionally been used in balneology and recreation, while its share in the country's total energy balance is almost negligible (0.05%). The present paper deals with the City Municipality of Vranjska Banja as a pioneer in the territory of Serbia in using geothermal energy for heating. The concept and methodology of the present research are directly related to the utilization of geothermal resources for district heating in the Vranjska Banja area. The presented analysis includes: determining the available amount of energy, identifying the energy needs of selected public facilities, and the estimation of investment necessary for energy utilization. A survey, combined with field research, is focused on four public facilities connected to the heating system relying on geothermal sources, as well as on two facilities that should be connected to the system in the next phases. The results show economic, ecological, and technological advantages of using geothermal heating systems, as well as the acceptable price of equipment maintenance. An economic assessment of the transition of one facility from the existing heating system to a system relying on geothermal energy has also been made. The analysis confirms the cost-effectiveness of using geothermal energy and reveals numerous ecological advantages (safe heating, absence of CO 2 emission) over other energy sources.

The assessment of human bioclimate of Vranje health resort (Serbia) based on Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) with the focus on extreme biothermal conditions

“…Particularly, the municipality of Vranjska Banja (Health Spa Resort) is located at the foothills of the Besna Kobila Mt. 10 km northeast of the City of Vranje, covering an area of 258 km² (Denda et al 2019). Vranjska Banja is a balneological centre with the hottest geothermal spring in Serbia, with discharge temperatures of 96°C.…”