Members of the EP came to Slovakia to explore the possibilities of using geothermal energy

Bratislava – Geothermal energy has great potential in Slovakia, but only two percent is utilized. This was stated on Monday at a press conference by member of the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic and chairman of the Committee for European Affairs Ján Ferenčák (Hlas-SD), who accompanied a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (EP) from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). This was reported by TASR.

“Slovakia has enormous potential in utilizing this type of energy, but on the other hand, we must say that this potential is not utilized. We are using it only at 2%, and 98% is still potential that could replace either fossil fuels, gas, or other types of energy,” said Ferenčák.

He reminded that until now, geothermal energy has mainly been used for recreational purposes in thermal baths. However, according to the MP, it can also be used for heating. “We have successfully implemented such a project specifically in the town of Kežmarok, where there is a well that has been newly drilled in the last ten years and is now used to heat water for about 1000 households,” he added, noting that similar projects are being prepared in other places in Slovakia.

According to Ferenčák, the MEPs will visit locations where geothermal energy could be used for heating households or for energy purposes. They should also address ways to support these projects.

The EP delegation also defined possible risks associated with the use of this type of energy. The biggest risk, according to Ferenčák, is drilling, as there is no guarantee of the outcome, at what depth, and whether it will be possible to find a source of geothermal water.

“This capital is risky, and that is why the use of geothermal energy in Slovakia is so low, because no one wants to take risks or we do not have this risk covered. We opened this discussion with the MEPs so that such a risk could be or should be covered either at the national level regarding subsidies or then at the European level regarding venture capital,” explained the MP.

Another problem, according to him, is geological maps. Although Slovakia has processed them, the European Commission and the EP need all EU countries to be mapped in this way to create a support system for the use of geothermal energy.

“Geothermal energy represents a huge opportunity for Slovakia, but also for all of Europe, and that is why I am glad that this mission went to Slovakia to look at this issue. On one hand, we want to learn about what Slovakia is doing well, and on the other hand, to understand the obstacles that Slovakia faces in utilizing geothermal energy,” added MEP and Vice-President of the EP Martin Hojsík, who leads the five-member delegation of Members of the European Parliament from the ITRE committee. (May 26)

“Slovakia has enormous potential in utilizing this type of energy, but on the other hand, we must say that this potential is not utilized. We are using it only at 2%, and 98% is still potential that could replace either fossil fuels, gas, or other types of energy.” Ján Ferenčák