Bogács, Hungary
For years, Bogács sought to optimize excess heat from its thermal spa, where water at 70°C is extracted, too hot for the spa’s pools. Some heat already warms spa buildings and powers air-conditioning for indoor pool dehumidification, but additional heat was previously wasted to cool the water to 37-38°C for pool use. The new system channels this surplus heat to public buildings outside the spa through a newly built heating distribution network connected to the existing energy supply system. The project’s total cost was approximately HUF 205 million (about USD 570,000).
Csendesné Farkas Edit, Mayor of Bogács, explained: “The city had difficulties in securing permits for the project.” The approval process, involving the Environmental Protection Authority, Water Directorate, and Disaster Management, began in June 2023 and concluded with permits granted in August 2024. Following a public procurement process in spring 2024, Midvex Építő Kft. won the contract with a bid of HUF 180 million. Construction started in September 2024 and finished by December 2024. Testing in January confirmed the system’s success, with geothermal heat effectively warming all connected buildings, eliminating the need for gas heating in normal conditions.
In May 2024, Bogács applied for a Swiss Fund grant, securing HUF 168.8 million, which offset most project costs. This allowed the city to redirect its own funds to renovate a municipal building. Another geothermal project at the Kiskunhalas sports center also received support from the same program.
The system significantly reduces heating costs for the connected public buildings, saving Bogács an estimated HUF 20-25 million annually, as gas heating is only needed in extreme cold. It also minimizes the need to cool thermal water for spa pools, reducing water usage. By replacing gas heating, the project lowers CO2 emissions and shields the city from fluctuating gas prices, creating a sustainable and cost-effective heating solution.
