Model Evaluation of Thermal Energy Potential of Hydrogeological Structures with Flooded Mines

A Czech Republic Ministry of Industry and Trade grant (project 2A-2TP1/055) encourages the use of abandoned mines as geothermal energy sources. Mathematical models are being used to evaluate the thermal energy potential. This paper discusses approaches and limitations of using the MT3D code, which is well known as a groundwater solute transport model, for geothermal energy balance calculations. Results showing the potential for geothermal energy abstraction from the abandoned and flooded Krimich II underground coal mine are demonstrated.