New Geothermal Pilot Study Brings Local Energy Solutions Closer in Central Ostrobothnia
A new study by Geological Survey of Finland GTK provides a comprehensive overview of the potential for utilising medium-deep geothermal wells and groundwater energy in the Central Ostrobothnia region. The study brings together detailed modelling and broader, municipality-specific assessments of how much combustion-based heat production could be replaced with low-carbon geothermal energy. The results represent an important step towards renewable and locally sourced energy solutions.
“This type of pilot-site assessment is the first of its kind, and it serves as an example of the methods and calculation approaches that can be further developed and applied in heating-sector studies of different scales. In this work, we developed tools suitable for both site-specific and regional geothermal energy assessments,” says Research Scientist Sami Vallin from GTK, who led the pilot site evaluations.
GTK’s new research report was carried out as part of the Geoenergialoikka project, which aims to strengthen regional energy self-sufficiency and security of supply.
Pilot site demonstrates strong potential of medium-deep geothermal wells
The study starts with a single pilot site for which the most suitable geothermal energy solution is identified. The assessment considers wells of various depths, their production potential, and plot-specific placement options. Due to spatial constraints, a system based on medium-deep wells proved clearly the best solution, as it is expected to cover the majority of the site’s heating demand.
The study also includes a municipality-level regional analysis evaluating the potential of geothermal energy by using wells of different depths to replace combustion-based heat production across all municipalities in Central Ostrobothnia. The assessment provides tools for regional energy and investment planning.
In addition, the study identified areas within the region where the potential for groundwater energy should be examined in more detail. Estimates of groundwater energy production potential are based on previous structural investigations of groundwater areas. This information offers new options for developing a more diverse and sustainable regional energy infrastructure.
Knowledge base brings together the latest geothermal energy research
New research generated in the Geoenergialoikka project has been compiled into a geothermal energy knowledge base, now published on the project’s website. The knowledge base provides access to results, reports, and datasets that support geothermal energy utilisation and research.
The project is producing a wide range of new information, for example on the production potential of medium-deep geothermal wells and bedrock properties. New tools and datasets are also developed to promote the sustainable use of geothermal energy. Some of the results have already been published in the knowledge base, and new materials will be added as they are completed.
The geothermal energy knowledge base includes, for example:
- Information on drilling of medium-deep wells and research borehole.
- Results from geothermal energy measurements and drilling mud analyses.
- Petrophysical analysis results from drill-core samples.
- Research reports.
- Geothermal energy glossary that helps users understand key concepts and measurement methods.
The knowledge base is designed to support both research and industry needs but is available to anyone interested in geothermal energy.
Further information
The research report (available in Finnish) is available to view and download from GTK’s Hakku data service:
Geoenergian hyödyntämismahdollisuuksien arviointi Keski-Pohjanmaan maakunnan alueella – Pilottikohdetarkastelut
Explore the new geothermal energy knowledge base on the Geoenergialoikka project website (available in Finnish):
Geoenergian tietopankki
Sami Vallin, Research Scientist
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
sami.vallin@gtk.fi
Annu Martinkauppi, Project Manager
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
annu.martinkauppi@gtk.fi
The European Union co‑funded Geoenergialoikka project accelerates the large‑scale deployment of low‑carbon geothermal energy, particularly as a replacement for combustion‑based heat production. It simultaneously strengthens regional energy self‑sufficiency and security of supply while supporting positive impacts on local employment. Geoenergialoikka promotes the adoption and implementation of medium-deep borehole systems by producing improved baseline data, tools, and measurement methods for planning and implementing these solutions. Visit the project website: Geoenergy Leap to Renewable Energy Production
