Groundwater temperature anomalies in the vicinity of salt domes in central Poland as a potential for low-temperature geothermal energy

Abstract

One of the few examples of renewable energy sources independent of weather conditions is geothermal energy, utilized both in high-temperature geothermal systems and, increasingly, in low-temperature geothermal applications. We describe novel research on the influence of salt diapir structures on groundwater temperatures in their surroundings. The Lanieta and Lubien salt domes in Poland were selected as representative study areas. Based on a series of field studies, temperature distribution maps were developed for Quaternary, Neogene, and Paleogene aquifers. The analysis demonstrated that groundwater thermal anomalies in the vicinity of salt diapirs reach up to +2.0°C. The results obtained enabled an assessment of the potential for utilizing this additional thermal energy in low-temperature geothermal systems. A temperature anomaly in the range of +0.5 to +2.0°C translates directly into a measurable improvement in system coefficients of performance, thereby reducing operational costs. The course of action proposed in this paper for identifying optimal locations for shallow geothermal energy exploitation has not been previously applied and represents an effective approach to maximizing the share of renewable energy sources and enhancing the diversification of local energy supplies, particularly in central and eastern Europe, where salt dome geological structures are relatively common