MOL Group is conducting geothermal energy exploration and have carried out 3D seismic surveys in and around the Danube Refinery to assess the potential for geothermal energy utilization. Our colleagues aim to determine whether there is high-temperature groundwater in the area that could be harnessed to make the refinery’s operations more sustainable.
The purpose of surveys is to examine whether the surroundings of the Danube Refinery possess geothermal characteristics that could contribute to improving the refinery’s energy efficiency. If sufficient quantities of thermal water with the right temperature can be identified at the appropriate location and depth, it could significantly support the refinery’s energy needs.
The results of the analyses are expected to be available in about six months. If the findings are promising, further feasibility studies will follow.
"The geothermal exploration area granted to MOL includes Százhalombatta and the Danube Refinery. Therefore, in addition to mapping the entire area, it is logical to specifically examine the geothermal potential of the refinery’s surroundings” - said Dávid Kapes, Head of Group E&P Low Carbon & New Energies.
"The green transition starts with reducing emissions from our own operations. After building a solar park and commissioning the green hydrogen plant at the Danube Refinery, we are now experimenting with utilizing the Earth’s heat. I am particularly pleased that we can do this in collaboration with another MOL business unit, Exploration and Production” - added Krisztián Pulay, Group DS Production and Development SVP.
The modern, widely proven 3D seismic technology works similarly to medical ultrasound: artificially generated vibration waves reflect off various subsurface layers, enabling the creation of a three-dimensional image of underground geological structures—allowing experts to “see” beneath the surface.
Applying geothermal energy in a refinery setting would be pioneering in the region, and even globally, there are only a few such projects in operation.