TY - JOUR
TI - Utilization of geothermal springs as a renewable energy source: Vranjska Banja case study
AU - Denda Stefan Lj
AU - Micić Jasna M
AU - Milanović Pešić Ana Z
AU - Brankov Jovana J
AU - Bjeljac Željko
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2019
VL - 23
IS - 6
SP - 4083
EP - 4093
PT - Article
AB - Despite the significant natural potential, geothermal energy in Serbia has  traditionally been used in balneology and recreation, while its share in the  country’s total energy balance is almost negligible (0.05%). The present  paper deals with The City Municipality of Vranjska Banja as a pioneer in the  territory of Serbia in using geothermal energy for heating. The concept and  methodology of the present research are directly related to the utilization  of geothermal resources for district heating in the Vranjska Banja area. The  presented analysis includes: determining the available amount of energy,  identifying the energy needs of selected public facilities, and the  estimation of investment necessary for energy utilization. A survey,  combined with field research, is focused on four public facilities connected  to the heating system relying on geothermal sources, as well as on two  facilities that should be connected to the system in the next phases. The  results show economic, ecological, and technological advantages of using  geothermal heating systems, as well as the acceptable price of equipment  maintenance. An economic assessment of the transition of one facility from  the existing heating system to a system relying on geothermal energy has  also been made. The analysis confirms the cost-effectiveness of using  geothermal energy and reveals numerous ecological advantages (safe heating,  absence of CO2 emission) over other energy sources. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III 47007]