Geothermal energy holds great potential for a sustainable future, as it is a clean and weather-independent form of energy. In addition to energy production, it can also serve the population of a region through direct use. In this paper, three municipal geothermal systems (Szarvas, Nagyszénás, Békéscsaba) in the same Hungarian region which have been recently installed or expanded are presented and analysed. Here, the direct usage of geothermal energy for heating purposes is a very important issue. The three systems show several differences and to some extent face different challenges in the various phases of the projects. Particular attention has been paid to engineering solutions to the problems that arise. The challenges, such as technical difficulties during installation, maintenance difficulties, or problems arising during operation are introduced. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of similar geothermal systems were summarized, based on the relevant literature. These points were evaluated by their appearance and characteristics in the examined systems. This study aims to provide insights, based on recently gained experiences, into geothermal projects, thus providing feedback and practical information for researchers and practitioners.

The aim of the study is to carry out a technical assessment of a Hungarian baths complex, which is a major tourist center with approximately 180,000 visitors per year. The bath complex had been partially closed. Following the partial closure of the spa, a comprehensive survey was carried out, identifying four main problem areas: operational difficulties with the thermal and cold-water wells, outdated water treatment technology, structural damage to the swimming pool and general mechanical deficiencies. Based on these investigations, recommendations were made for a safe and sustainable reopening of the spa, such as the reactivation of the geothermal system, the installation of modern filtration and dosing systems, and the application of energy-efficient and intelligent technologies. Based on the recommendations, the safe, economical, and sustainable reopening of the spa can be achieved, while also providing guidance for the modernization of other spa complexes. A separate section presents detailed development proposals, such as restarting the geothermal system, applying modern water treatment technologies and intelligent control systems, renovating the pool structure, and modernizing the mechanical and electrical systems. These proposals contribute to the modernization of the spa infrastructure and can also provide guidance for solving technical problems in other similar facilities.

Békés megyében található Nagyszénás településen geotermikus energiafelhasználásra épülő projekt került átadásra 2015. december 20.-án. Az építési beruházások az Európai Unió támogatásával a 2007-2013-ös pénzügyi, finanszírozási ciklusban elnyert pályázati forrásból valósultak meg 1,578 milliárd forint összértékben. A termálvíz-hasznosítási beruházás országos viszonylatban is egyedülálló műszaki megoldásokkal valósult meg és eredményeképpen a meglévő geotermikus lehetőségek kihasználásával, zöld energiaforrásra épülő, korszerű, gazdaságos fűtési rendszer lett kiépítve a település közintézményeiben és az újonnan létesített parkfürdő-komplexumban. A kivitelezés során és az üzemeltetés közben, számos előre nem ismert műszaki probléma merült fel, amelyek megoldása csak új technikai elemek alkalmazásával vált lehetővé. A kitermelt termálvíz magas sótartalma és a magas hőfoka különleges gépészeti és építészeti megoldásokat követelt. Az üzemeltetés során számos ponton átalakításra és technológiai elemek megváltoztatására volt szükség a biztonságos üzemeltetés érdekében. A cikk célja ezen műszaki beavatkozások bemutatása, amelyek eredményeképpen napjainkban a rendszer megbízhatóan üzemel, és megfelelő alternatívát nyújt a földgáz hátterű fűtési rendszerek helyett.

The energy efficiency modernization of heritage buildings plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goal. However, due to heritage protection regulations, conventional solutions can only be applied to a limited extent. This study presents an innovative project implemented in Hungary, where the heating systems of a heritage building was integrated into the municipal geothermal district heating network. Another building was connected to it, but is currently undergoing renovation. The research encompassed the description of technological solutions, the analysis of energy and economic efficiency. The results indicate that the geothermal system completely replaced the former natural gas boilers. Approximately 96% of natural gas substitution was achieved, resulting in an annual CO₂ emission reduction of about 26.4 tonnes and a specific saving of approximately 32.9 kg CO₂/m²·year. The solution is feasible even in a heritage environment without compromising the aesthetic values of the buildings. The case study demonstrates that the integration of geothermal energy can serve as an effective and sustainable solution for heating historic buildings.