HSE Group’s hydropower plant operator Dravske Elektrarne Maribor (DEM), energy company Petrol and oil firm Nafta Lendava plan to establish a pilot geothermal power plant by using innovative technology.

DEM, Petrol and Nafta Lendava have signed a letter of intent for the implementation of the project.

Currently, there are no geothermal power plants in Slovenia. Geothermal energy is only used for heating, greenhouses and thermal spas.

The project initiated by the three companies will be the first application of a Slovenian patent and can represent an important milestone for the use of geothermal energy in abandoned gas and oil wells in Slovenia and around the world, the companies said in a press release.

The project envisages the construction of a small pilot power plant with a geothermal gravity heat pipe

The pilot project will use a geothermal gravity heat pipe, a technology patented by Slovenia (patent SI 23618 A).

The project is planned at the pg-8 well, in the settlement of Čentiba in the municipality of Lendava, Prekmurje region.

According to the press release, a geothermal gravitational heat pipe produces sufficient heat flux for electricity generation. Geothermal energy can be used for heating and electricity production, companies said.

The project envisages the construction of a small pilot power plant with a geothermal gravity heat pipe in a well on a depth of about three kilometers.

Partnership for a transition to a low-carbon society

Director of Dravske Elektrarne Maribor Andrej Tumpej said the company has the exclusive right to use this patent.

It is a new step on the path of development and transition to a low-carbon society for all partners and an added value both for the local community and the whole of Slovenia, he added.

According to Jože Bajuk, Member of the Management Board of Petrol, the company intends to have as many such integrated partnerships as possible in the energy transition from traditional to cleaner energy sources.

The project will support the development of Nafta Lendava and the municipality of Lendava, said Verena Zidar, the company’s director.