Utilization of geothermal systems in South-East Hungary

Thermal wells have been used in Hungary for over 140 years. As thermal water production has increased during the past decades, the pressure drawdown has increased in the geothermal systems of the Pannonian basin, showing that their sustainable management is lacking. The Hódmezővásárhely, Szeged, and Szentes case histories are presented, including the very first indications of stabilization and recharge of the Pannonian thermal aquifers, as a result of reduction of thermal water production. Sustainable production and overall resource management of geothermal systems in SE-Hungary can only be achieved by injection.