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Breakthrough in Polish Geothermal Energy: Hot Waters Over 100°C Discovered in Podhale
By: Robert Buluma
In late December 2025, Poland's Chief National Geologist, Professor Krzysztof Galos, announced a significant discovery in the Podhale region: access to geothermal waters exceeding 100°C. This revelation came from the Bańska PGP-4 borehole in Szaflary, marking a potential turning point for renewable energy in the country.
The drilling rig at the Bańska PGP-4 site in Szaflary, Podhale , a symbol of Poland's ambitious push into deeper geothermal resources.
The Unique Geology of Podhale
The Podhale basin, nestled between the Tatra Mountains and the Pieniny Klippen Belt, has long been recognized as Poland's premier geothermal hotspot. Its geological structure is unparalleled in the country: a reservoir formed by Paleogene sandstone-shale formations up to 3 km thick, overlying Mesozoic carbonate rocks.
Professor Galos emphasizes that these conditions , low mineralization (around 2.5 g/dm³), high flow rates (up to 550 m³/h), and previously known temperatures up to 90°C – are rare nationally. The low salinity reduces corrosion issues, making exploitation more feasible and cost-effective.
The stunning Tatra Mountains backdrop to Podhale's geothermal landscape, where natural beauty meets underground energy potential.
The Bańska PGP-4 Breakthrough
The Bańska PGP-4 borehole, originally planned to reach 7 km but completed in early 2025, has yielded exciting preliminary results. It tapped into deeper structures with waters significantly hotter than 100°C.
This exceeds previous maxima in Podhale and opens new technological horizons. Until now, Poland's geothermal resources have been limited to heating applications. Temperatures over 100°C could enable electricity generation using binary cycle plants, a first for the nation.
As Prof. Galos noted: "From such reservoirs, electricity production will likely be possible, constituting a breakthrough in the development of renewable energy sources in Poland."
Current State of Geotermia Podhalańska
Launched in 1993, Geotermia Podhalańska remains the backbone of the region's energy system. With an installed capacity of 133.9 MW (94.8 MW directly from geothermal), it sold 512 TJ of heat in 2024.
The system supplies:
1,112 single-family homes
299 multi-family buildings
164 commercial structures
159 hotels and guesthouses
35 schools and kindergartens
101 other facilities
Beyond heating, cooled geothermal water feeds major thermal bath complexes in Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska, Bukowina Tatrzańska, Chochołów, and Szaflary ,boosting tourism year-round.
Visitors enjoying the geothermal thermal baths near Zakopane ,a direct benefit of Podhale's hot springs, blending relaxation with sustainable energy.
By September 2025, 19 geothermal boreholes (including 4 injection wells) operated in the basin. Extraction in 2024 reached 6.3 million m³
only 73.3% of disposable resources , leaving room for growth.
Sustainable Practices and Future Expansion
Sustainability is key. Geotermia Podhalańska reinjects cooled water, pumping back 3.4 million m³ in 2024 to maintain reservoir pressure and quality. Ideal "doublet" systems (production + injection wells) are promoted for long-term stability.
Ongoing projects include the Bańska PGP-7 borehole for heating purposes. Monitoring programs ensure responsible development.
Prof. Galos stresses adhering to extraction limits to preserve the system's stability.
Implications for Poland's Energy Transition
This discovery aligns with Poland's push toward renewables amid EU decarbonization goals. Geothermal offers baseload power – reliable unlike solar or wind – with minimal emissions.
Potential electricity production could diversify Poland's energy mix, heavily reliant on coal. Combined with heating and tourism, Podhale could become a model for geothermal integration.
Challenges remain: high upfront drilling costs, technical risks at depth, and scaling infrastructure. Yet, with government support, momentum is building.
Other regions are exploring geothermal, but Podhale's superior parameters keep it leading.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Geothermal reduces air pollution in smog-prone areas like Zakopane. Replacing fossil fuels cuts CO₂ emissions significantly.
Economically, it creates jobs in drilling, maintenance, and tourism. Thermal spas attract millions annually, supporting local businesses.
Global Context
While Iceland or New Zealand boast higher temperatures, Poland's low-enthalpy resources are viable for district heating. This >100°C find elevates Podhale closer to mid-enthalpy status, expanding possibilities.
Comparisons:
Typical Polish geothermal: 70-90°C for heating
New Podhale depths: >100°C, potentially electricity
Global leaders: 150-300°C for direct power
Looking Ahead
As 2026 begins, eyes are on further tests of Bańska PGP-4 and new boreholes. If confirmed, pilot electricity projects could follow.
Podhale's "hidden treasure" – a lake of hot water beneath the Tatras – reminds us of Earth's untapped renewable potential. This discovery not only heats homes and pools but ignites hope for a greener Polish energy future.
What do you think? Could geothermal power transform Poland's energy landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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