In Velika Gorica, a town of over 60,000 residents in Croatia, the drilling of an exploratory geothermal well has commenced, marking a step toward assessing the potential use of geothermal energy for the district heating system. The project, valued at more than €11 million, is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The well is expected to reach a depth of three kilometers, providing data on the temperature and flow rate of geothermal water, which could pave the way for potential commercial use in heating the city.
The project, Preparation and Exploration of Geothermal Potential in the Context of District Heating, represents a phase in Croatia’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The GT-1 well, currently being drilled in Velika Gorica, aims to confirm previous assessments of the high geothermal potential of the Pannonian Basin. According to the Croatian Ministry of Economy, the expected water temperature at the outlet will range between 90 and 140°C, sufficient for heating system applications.
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As the importance of every clean energy source has been emphasized in this context, geothermal energy could prove to be a viable long-term investment and serve as a model for similar initiatives. Although Croatia possesses significant geothermal resources, they remain largely underutilized. The Pannonian Basin, where Velika Gorica is located, is known for its geothermal potential.
Previous research has indicated the feasibility of exploitation, but only through projects like this one can the actual viability and application of geothermal energy be confirmed.
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