ENNA Geo, a member of the ENNA Group and leading developer of geothermal projects in Croatia, has conducted 3D seismic and magnetotelluric surveys in the municipalities of Babina Greda, Sikirevci, and Gundinci to explore the geothermal potential of this area.
The modern high-resolution 3D seismic and magnetotelluric data will give information on the geological structure of the subsurface, particularly for the less explored parts of the “Babina Greda 1” geothermal water exploitation field, as well as the “Babina Greda 2” exploration area.
The seismic survey was carried out using vibroseis trucks. Through the processing and interpretation of the collected data, and by integrating it with existing geophysical and well data, a fuller picture will be created of the geothermal reservoir itself, as well as for planning the further development of geothermal fields.
The surveys were conducted in collaboration with Geopartner Geofizyka, a company specializing in geophysical, geotechnical, and hydrogeological investigations across Europe.
ENNA Geo is currently developing two geothermal power plant projects in Croatia : Zagocha, near Slatina, with a planned grid connection capacity of 20 MWe, and Babina Greda, with a planned capacity of 15 MWe.
The GE Zagocha project is the most advanced geothermal power plant development project in Croatia. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate more than 130,000 MWh of electricity annually, enough to supply more than 42,000 households. At the Slatina 2 exploitation field, drilling has been completed to a depth of 4,582 metres, making it the deepest geothermal well in Croatia. Water temperatures of up to 211°C have been recorded at the site. The total investment in GE Zagocha is estimated at €162.3 million, with commercial operations planned to commence in 2030.
At Babina Greda, the geothermal well reaches a depth of 4,083 metres, with water temperatures of 180°C, making the resource suitable for electricity generation. In addition, there is potential to utilise residual thermal energy for industrial processes, greenhouse fruit and vegetable production, district heating, drying facilities and other applications.
The investment in Babina Greda is estimated at €121.8 million, with the geothermal power plant expected to enter operation in 2032.
ENNA Geo has also strengthened its position as a leading developer of geothermal resoures with an agreement to acquire IGeoPen d.o.o., a company owned by A14 Energy Limited, thereby obtaining three geothermal exploration licences at the Ernestinovo, Sječe and Pčelić sites.
Croatia is one of the newest geothermal hotspots in Europe, with the main potential lying in the Pannonian Basin. The temperature gradient in this region is 60 % higher than the European average and there is estimated to be more than 800 MW of undiscovered geothermal potential.