The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME) plays a key role in the national initiative for the research and utilization of Greece’s geothermal potential.
In this context, a scientific and technical team from EAGME — consisting of Dr. Apostolos Arvanitis (Head of the Department of Geothermal and Thermal Mineral Resources), Vasileios Zorapas (Head of the Department of Hydrogeology and Hydrology), Panagiotis Vakalopoulos (Geologist, Department of Geothermal Resources), and Vasileios Maramathas (Technician, Department of Hydrogeology) — carried out a test pumping operation at the large-diameter geothermal research borehole Sd17PN in the northeastern part of the Sidirokastro Geothermal Field, in the Regional Unit of Serres.
The borehole, constructed entirely by EAGME, reached a depth of 153.80 meters and intercepted a geothermal reservoir at depths greater than 98 meters, containing fluids at a temperature of 78°C with relatively low salinity levels.
The small drop in water level and its rapid stabilization, combined with the quick recovery observed after pumping, confirm the significant potential of the geothermal reservoir at this location, with flow rates exceeding 120 m³/h.
The high fluid temperature (78°C) — the highest recorded so far in low-enthalpy geothermal fields within the Serres region — together with the strong reservoir potential and the area’s geological features, supports the view that the Sidirokastro geothermal field is likely recharged from this area. Further study is required to clarify the precise recharge mechanism of the field, which extends to the southwest of the borehole, as this will be crucial for its sustainable and rational management.
The highly encouraging results of this test pumping have renewed interest in the exploitation of geothermal resources in the broader Serres area and were the focus of meetings held between the EAGME team and local government authorities.
The drilling and testing of the large-diameter geothermal research borehole were conducted within the framework of the sub-project “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”, implemented by EAGME’s Geothermal Department and co-financed by the Operational Programme ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’ (EPAnEK).