The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (CHA) has confirmed geothermal energy potential in the Velika Gorica area following recent exploration work.
In a statement, CHA announced the completion of exploratory activities in the region, as part of a ‘Development of Geothermal Potential for District Heating’ project, financed through the country’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
“The test results confirmed the presence of significant geothermal potential in the area,” the agency reported in a statement.
“The recorded reservoir temperature exceeds 100°C, and the well’s capacity fully meets the projected targets of the project,” the statement added.
Based on the conducted tests, CHA has determined that the thermal output from this single exploratory geothermal well could meet nearly 60% of the heating needs of the Velika Gorica district heating system, “representing a major step toward energy independence and sustainability.
”In addition to its application for district heating, the geothermal potential in the area also holds promise for agricultural production, adding further value through the use of renewable energy sources, the CHA statement noted.
A second well is now planned, to create a production-injection pair, enabling continuous and safe use of this natural resource, it added.
“This is one of the first concrete steps in the use of geothermal energy for heating in continental Croatia,” CHA stated.
The drilling works were carried out by Crosco, a member of the INA Group, Croatia’s leading energy company.