As part of the preparatory phase for the execution of geothermal exploration drilling in the Sidirokastro Geothermal Field (Serres), a team from the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) visited the area between October 12 and 17, 2020. The mission included several Working Groups that carried out the following essential preparatory actions:
(a) Execution of geophysical surveys at the locations of the three planned wells, SD-18P, SD-19P, and SD-20P. The surveys were conducted by a team led by Mr. Petros Karmis, Head of the Department of Applied Geophysics, with technical support from Mr. Dimitrios Koukios, Mr. Christos Mylonas, Mr. Ilias Koufogiannis, and Mr. Nikolaos Kakouras. The applied methods included Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) sounding using the TerraTem system (Monex Geoscope, Australia) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) using the Syscal Pro system (Iris Instruments, France).
The purpose of these surveys was to investigate the stratigraphy of the drilling sites through the correlation of the new data with existing drilling logs from the older boreholes SD-17 and SD-17P, constructed by the former I.G.M.E. in 1997. The findings provided valuable information about the expected geological formations at the new sites, supporting the optimal design of each borehole through the development of appropriate geological and technical programs.
(b) Relocation of the drilling rig and transfer of drilling equipment to a storage area designated by the Municipality of Sintiki. These activities were coordinated by Mr. Dimitrios Exioglou, Site Manager and Head of the H.S.G.M.E. Regional Unit of Eastern Macedonia–Thrace, with the participation of Mr. Efstathios Polychronis, Mr. Konstantinos Pisinas, and Mr. Anastasios Kirmyzopoulos.
(c) Meeting and briefing with Mr. Ioannis Chatzopoulos, Head of the Directorate of Technical Services, Urban Planning, and Environment of the Municipality of Sintiki, concerning the initiation of drilling operations, the provision of secure storage for the drilling rig and equipment, and the required technical support.
(d) Meeting with Mr. Thomas Meladinis, President of the Local Council of Charopo, to inform him about the objectives of the H.S.G.M.E. drilling program and the locations of the new wells.
The coordination of these operations was managed by the Department of Geothermal Energy and Thermal-Mineral Resources (GEOTHE) of H.S.G.M.E., represented by Mr. Apostolos Arvanitis, Head of the Department, and Mr. Panagiotis Vakalopoulos, Supervisor of Action 1 of the GEOTHERM Subproject, which includes the Sidirokastro drilling program.
These activities were carried out within the framework of the subproject “Actions for the Rational and Sustainable Utilization of Geothermal Energy – GEOTHERM”, part of the project “Studies and Research Supporting the Energy Sector of Industry and Entrepreneurship – OPYGEC” (NSRF 2014–2020). Under this framework, H.S.G.M.E. plans to drill three or four large-diameter geothermal exploration wells in the northern section of the low-enthalpy geothermal field of Sidirokastro, Serres.
The drilling program is included in Action 1 of the GEOTHERM Subproject, titled “Research for the Extension of Confirmed Geothermal Fields in (a) Sidirokastro and (b) Erateino and Erasmio”. Its main objectives are:
- To investigate the geothermal conditions in the northern part of the Sidirokastro field, where the recharge zone with the highest temperatures is expected to be located,
- To enhance the confirmed geothermal potential,
- To improve the understanding of the geothermal field’s functioning, and
- To ensure the rational and sustainable management and utilization of this natural resource.
Finally, the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) expresses its gratitude to Mr. Ioannis Chatzopoulos, Head of the Directorate of Technical Services, Urban Planning, and Environment of the Municipality of Sintiki, and to Mr. Thomas Meladinis, President of the Local Council of Charopo, for their ongoing support and collaboration in facilitating the implementation of the geothermal activities in the region.
