GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN GREECE DURING 1995-1999

The paper reviews the research and development activities in geothermal energy in Greece during the period 1995-1999. Information is also provided on the current status of geothermal direct heat uses. Greece has a great geothermal potential. This potential has been confirmed and verified by the discovery and exploration of new geothermal fields during the past five years (1995-1999). During this period the geothermal research and applications were mainly related to low enthalpy fields. The areas of research include Northern Greece (Thrace, Macedonia), NW Greece (Epirus), Chios and Lesvos islands (Aegean Sea). In Thrace, near the village Aristino, a new geothermal field was discovered, the temperature of which approaches 92 o C. At the area of Sappes (Thrace), some very promising fields were identified through a series of exploration and production wells. Very interesting fields were also discovered in Central Macedonia (Sani and Neo Ryssio district). In NW Greece (Sykies, near Arta, Epirus) the exploration wells brought to light another geothermal field whose temperature is 48oC. Finally, in Chios Island the recently discovered geothermal field gave temperatures up to 90oC. Many interesting applications and developments have taken place in Greece during the last five years, such as some additional geothermal heated greenhouses, subsurface soil heating for early asparagus cultivation, production of spirulina using geothermal energy, heating a hotel in the neighborhood of Nea Apollonia hot springs (Macedonia) and a spa complex in Thrace and applications that use heat pumps near Athens and in Rhodes Island. The geothermal power plant in Milos Island has remained shut down since 1989.