Geothermal energy for Kosice with the help of Iceland

Several Icelandic companies expressed their interest in assisting with one of the greatest projects for the use of geothermal energy near Kosice. Representatives of the Environment Ministry of Iceland noted that Iceland draws 70 percent of its total energy supplies (and 99 percent of its electric energy) from renewable resources, and is able to assist Slovakia with its know-how. Mayor of Kosice Zdenko Trebula said the experts from Iceland are a guarantee that it will work. Honorary consul of Iceland to Slovakia Otto Halas said: It should cost some 50 million Euro, which is almost 2 billion crowns. The Slovak Gas Utility should participate here, and we expect some EU funds. The costs are still being calculated by the World Bank.

The first underground water supplies, cheaper than traditional supplies, could be available to Kosice citizens in 2008 and the energy should heat 30 percent of the town. Icelandic experts added that the heating value of thermal sources near Kosice is comparable with some springs in Iceland.