Drilling finished at Litoměřice
The PUSH-IT team has successfully completed a major milestone in the development of its geothermal research site in Litoměřice, with the drilling and preparation of two key monitoring wells. This marks a crucial step toward better understanding the site’s subsurface and preparing for future Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) systems.
The first monitoring well, drilled to a depth of 516 meters, was cored from approximately 30 meters down to its full depth. It was then cemented and equipped with a fiber optic cable, allowing for long-term temperature and deformation monitoring. This deep well was drilled using wireline rotary techniques and polymer-based mud.
The second hydrogeological monitoring well reached a depth of 202 meters, with a 36-meter screened interval to assess the site’s main aquifer. Rotary drilling was carried out with bentonite mud, followed by several stages of cleaning to remove residual mud and prepare the well for accurate hydrogeological testing.
Both wells were logged to analyze their structure and verticality, with final reports on the logging results expected soon.
“Despite some technical challenges, including a cold snap with -18°C temperatures that temporarily froze the mud system, the drilling process went smoothly overall,” said Vit Peresty, site lead of Litomerice. “The collaboration with the drillers was excellent, and it was a rewarding experience—especially for our younger team members.”
The team also gained valuable insights into local geology and optimizing drilling techniques for future wells, such as refining the choice and use of drilling muds.
What’s Next?
The next phase of work includes:
- Aquifer evaluation through pumping tests, resistivity surveys, and groundwater sampling
- Thermo-hydraulic testing on rock core samples
- Data processing and interpretation to support future design decisions
While all drilling activities under PUSH-IT are now complete, the results will feed directly into the SYNERGYS project, which will lead the development and drilling of the BTES system.
PUSH-IT is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101096566.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
