Košice as a springboard: MND sets its sights on further geothermal projects
The completion of the boreholes near Košice shows that deep geothermal energy can serve as a stable source of energy even in Central Europe. At the same time, however, it raises questions about where this type of project makes sense and how quickly it can be scaled up. Radovan Jedlička, Head of Business Development at MND Drilling & Services, discusses the potential, limitations and further opportunities.
What do you see as the main advantage of geothermal energy compared to other renewable sources?
Geothermal energy has great potential compared to other renewable sources. It is unique, for example, compared to solar or wind power stations, which are dependent on current conditions. All it takes is for the wind to drop, for it to be overcast, or for night to fall, and energy production drops. On the other hand, the disadvantage of geothermal energy is its high initial costs, which can be significantly higher than those of other sources. However, this is the price to pay for the stability and significant long-term benefits that deep geothermal energy offers.
How can you identify a suitable site for this type of energy source?
The geological structure of the area in question is crucial. Everything depends on the specific location and the processes that took place underground millions of years ago.
Is there such a place in the Czech Republic?
I’m afraid that the geothermal potential in the Czech Republic isn’t particularly significant, at least as far as deep geothermal energy is concerned. It’s a matter of exploration – I know that certain activities are taking place here, but I wouldn’t expect them to reach the scale of projects such as those in Košice or, for example, in Iceland, Hungary, Italy or in Germany near Munich.
Does Drilling perceive a growing demand for projects of this type in Europe?
We can clearly see that demand for deep geothermal wells in Europe is growing, and projects are springing up across the entire continent. We are actively involved in them – whether as a drilling contractor or, as in the case of Košice, as a turnkey contractor. This means we manage the entire project from start to finish. It is a relatively new area for us, as this type of contract carries a higher level of risk and is highly complex, so we approach it with a degree of caution. However, Košice has shown that we are capable of successfully delivering such projects – we were the sole contractor and all the work was carried out by us.
Is there another project on the horizon where our teams could work?
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but we’re expecting an interesting project in Germany. Specifically, it’s in the Munich area, where deep geothermal energy has a long track record of positive results. There is strong geological potential there, as well as significant demand for heat. In addition, we are preparing tenders in other countries too, such as France.
Editor-in-Chief
Other articles
"Batteries are now an opportunity. Whoever builds them fast will seize it."
The MND Group is completing preparations for its first large battery storage facility, BESS Břeclav, with a capacity of 12 MW. When it goes into operation, it will be the largest stand-alone battery project in the Czech Republic and one of the most important milestones in MND's new energy strategy. We spoke with Roman Kroutil, project manager from the New Business Development team, about how the storage facility will work, why now is the ideal time to invest in batteries, and how he got into this field himself.
We work even when missiles fly over us, says MND Ukraine's technical chief
The MND Group has been operating in Ukraine for over ten years and, despite the war, it has managed not only to maintain operations but also to gradually develop gas production. However, everyday work takes place in conditions that most of us in Czechia or Germany can hardly imagine. We talked to Volodya Stebletsky, Technical Director of MND Ukraine, about how MND Ukraine works today, what is most difficult and what gives them the strength to continue.
AI in MND: From strategy to practice
AI, artificial intelligence. Two words that have been resonating not only in the world of technology for some time now, but are also increasingly penetrating our everyday working lives. AI is talked about, written about, discussed – but how do we actually use it at MND? And what does it mean for each of us?