THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN THE POWERMANAGEMENT OF SETTLEMENTS (POSSIBILITIES OF SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE CROSSBORDER REGIONS)

With the utilization of the available potentials and technologies, geothermal energy may contribute to the reduction of the quantities of the emitted contaminants and greenhouse gases, as well as the development of peripheral regions. Towards this end, such governmental measures are needed that set up a favourable regulatory environment, and put the financial funds for the support of implementation in place so that geothermal energy resources could complement the currently used, conventional energy carriers, and more efficient settlement development could be achieved. In this context, the University of Debrecen and the University of Oradea have conducted joint studies with the purpose of making a realistic assessment of geothermal energy resources in the region of S cueni–Létavértes and examining the options of long-term utilization. The research has been multidisciplinary, and thus embraced the field of geography, geodetics, well drilling, automation, mechanical engineering and tourism. The principal goal has been the utilization of geothermal energy with the largest possible efficiency in the area of S cueni and Létavértes.