Page 210 - Low Temperature Energy Systems with Applications of Renewable Energy

Heating with geothermal systems 197

5.4.2 Case study: Cuckoo Polder, Netherlands

The Netherlands, a country of roughly 17 million people and covering 4.2 million hect-
ares, is beginning to exploit its significant geothermal potential. The source of the energy
is not the traditional volcanic- or tectonic-related variety, but deep hydrothermal fluids
found in sediments below 2500 m depth. Fig. 5.20 maps the areas with good and possible
resources; note that two large cities, The Hague and Rotterdam, lie within the good areas.
The example chosen for this section is the greenhouse development known as
“Aardwarmteproject Koekoekspolder” or “Geothermal energy project at Cuckoo
Polder.” It is located in IJsselmuiden where extensive horticultural development is tak-
ing place. The current complex of greenhouses is served by one doublet, i.e., one pro-
duction and one reinjection well. There are plans to enlarge the system by adding up to
six more doublets. The concept involves a geothermal cluster in which crops with
differing temperature requirements are served in parallel and in series to guarantee
appropriate growing conditions for each crop. The various greenhouses are owned
by different entities that cooperate to allow the optimum flow and growing conditions
to be met continuously even under changing conditions. All flows are computer
controlled using inputs from the users.
Cuckoo Polder is shown in Fig. 5.21 within the roughly rectangular tilted area
bounded by roads. The doublet is marked by the star. It is within this area, roughly
1800 m 2290 m or 412 ha, where up to six more doublets are expected to be
drilled.

Fig. 5.20 Areas with geothermal potential in the Netherlands, modified from [24].