The share of thermal energy produced from geothermal sources in the thermal energy produced increased in 2024, the first year in which the geothermal station at the Sala Polivalentă operated, from 8% to 11%, according to the general director of Termoficare Oradea, Călin Ungur.
“This year, with the commissioning of the new stations in Nufărul and Ioșia Sud, the percentage is estimated to reach 15%. For the next period, we are considering two more investments in an injection-extraction plant and a 50-80 MW geothermal station, which is in the feasibility study stage. With these, we will be able to bring a contribution of up to 25% of geothermal energy to the production of thermal energy within three years. In summer, we will be able to provide hot water only on a geothermal basis, and in winter a quarter of the thermal energy. Of course, with the contribution of heat pumps”, Călin Ungur stated, according to Transilvania Business.
“The year 2024 marked the completion of the third stage of rehabilitation of the district heating system, one of the most important investments carried out by the municipality. This project had a direct impact on the efficiency of the network, leading to a decrease in losses from 29% (in the period 2022-2023) to 26.4% in 2024”, said Călin Ungur.
Also, 2024 was the first year in which the geothermal station at the Multipurpose Hall was fully operational, contributing to increasing the share of thermal energy produced from geothermal sources from 8% to 11%. With the commissioning of the new stations in Nufărul and Ioșia Sud, the percentage is estimated to reach 15% in 2025.
Termoficare Oradea ended the year with a turnover of 373 million lei, a revenue realization rate of 100.2% and a bill collection rate of 99.8%. In addition, 1,067 apartments were connected to the network in 2024.
Major investments completed in 2024
Stage III of the rehabilitation of the district heating network: 25 km of modernized primary pipes and the replacement of 5 thermal points with 39 modern modules;
The project “Valorization of geothermal energy in Nufărul I”: the replacement of 7 thermal points with 277 modules, as well as the construction of injection and reinjection wells for geothermal water;
The project “Valorization of geothermal energy in Ioșia Sud”, financed by Norwegian funds, which allows the efficient use of geothermal resources.
Currently, 80% of the primary heating network of the municipality is rehabilitated, and in the coming years the distribution network will also be modernized.
Outlook for 2025
Modernization of 42 thermal points, through a project that will soon be launched in the auction, thus completely closing the third stage of heating;
Abandoning the old power plant, which will mark an important stage in the modernization of the centralized heating system. In 2025, Oradea will operate exclusively with modern installations, built after 2014.
For the current year, Termoficare Oradea aims to integrate new investments in the Centralized Thermal Energy Supply System (SACET) and manage the challenges related to the skilled workforce in production and network operation. Also, negotiations for the purchase of gas and CO₂ certificates at advantageous prices will be essential for the company’s financial stability.