At a depth of 6103.2 m, drilling work on a geothermal well in Szaflary (Małopolska Province) was completed, thus not reaching the intended depth of 7 km – PAP has learned. It was supposed to be the world's deepest geothermal well, but a number of technical problems were encountered.
“By decision of joint specialist committees operating in the Ministry of Climate and Environment, further deepening of the research and exploitation well called Bańska PGP-4 was discontinued due to numerous hazards, mainly technical,” said Rafał Szkaradziński, mayor of the Szaflary commune, in an interview with PAP, adding: “The most important thing is that the well fulfilled the research purpose, because it contributed to the recognition of the geological structure of the country at a previously unknown depth, and the exploitation purpose, because the presence of two aquifers was confirmed.”
During drilling work, the first geothermal source was found at a depth of approx. 3 km and has a temperature of approx. 85 degrees Celsius. The second source at a level of approx. 5 km shows a temperature of approx. 120 degrees Celsius. It is this lower source, according to the initial assessment, that has the greatest potential to be used for geothermal purposes and to supply heat to four towns in the Szaflary commune and the nearest surroundings, including the city of Nowy Targ.
In the near future, specialist tests will be carried out to finally determine the efficiency, temperature and physicochemical properties of geothermal water from this well. On their basis, a model for the use of thermal waters in the entire Podhale region will also be prepared, so that water resources are not exhausted.
The mayor announced that further research will last about two months.
The borehole in Szaflary was supposed to be a world record – it was planned to reach a depth of 7 km and reach a source with a temperature above 150 degrees Celsius. Work began in April 2023 and was originally supposed to end at the turn of March and April 2024, but a number of technical problems were encountered after reaching a depth of about 6 km. In April 2024, drilling was suspended due to very hard rock formations and the collapse of the borehole walls. Then the main drilling engine (the so-called top drive) failed, and the main cable broke at a depth of 6,096 m.
Despite the difficulties, the Szaflary commune as an investor will not incur additional costs, because a turnkey contract was signed with the contractor – UOS Drilling SA. The total cost of the investment, PLN 132 million, is fully financed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. (PAP)
author: Szymon Bafia
szb/ malk/
