Capacities and energy potential of thermal-mineral springs in the area of the Kopaonik tourist region (Serbia)

In the Kopaonik tourist region of Serbia, there are numerous thermal-mineral (TM) springs with an outlet temperature which ranges from 21 to 78.7 °C. The main objective of the study is to determine the capacities, thermal power and energy potential of 19 TM springs in 4 spas of this region. This study supports the hypothesis that in the Kopaonik tourist region, TM springs have considerable capacity, as well as heat power and energy potential. The modern method for determining the energy potential and heat power, based on the flow rate, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the TM springs, was applied in the region with rich geothermal sources, and the obtained results were converted to the fossil fuel energy. The research of the given region, using the above method, is more detailed than the previous research carried out at the national level, so the results are more reliable and suggest that similar research should be carried out at the regional and local level. The estimated total heat energy is 758.51 TJ/year, and heat power (capacity) is 24.1 MWt. The TM springs of this region make up 9.06% of the estimated geothermal energy of Serbia and 7.53% of the estimated heat power. The total energy of this region is equivalent to 210697222.3 kW/h (210.7 GWh) or 18116.7 toe and represent significant energy saving potential. The results indicate the possibility of direct use of energy from TM spring and replacement of fossil fuels, which reduces CO2 emissions and positively affects the quality of the environment. The use of geothermal energy will reduce heating costs and ensure electricity supply due to the growing need for it.