Exploration of geothermal potential has commenced in Osijek at the Osijek GT-1 (OsGT-1) well, the second of its kind within the project titled “Preparation and Exploration of Geothermal Potential in the Context of District Heating.”
This research follows recent activities in Velika Gorica, where a reservoir temperature exceeding 100 °C was confirmed, along with the potential to cover nearly 60 percent of the city’s district heating needs.
The final depth of the planned well in Osijek is expected to reach 2,000 (+200) meters, targeting a geothermal reservoir with water temperatures exceeding 80 °C. The project is supported by €50.8 million in funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
“Osijek is a leader in the green transition in Croatia, and geothermal energy represents a new step toward a sustainable and locally available heating source. In addition to heating our residents’ homes and the Osijek Clinical Hospital Center, we plan to use thermal energy in the future for various industrial purposes as well,” said Ivan Radić, Mayor of Osijek.
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Geothermal energy is one of the few renewable energy sources that is stable, locally available, and independent of weather or market conditions.
The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency is conducting geothermal studies in Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci, and Zaprešić.
“For all four locations included in this project, we carried out geological and geophysical analyses with imaging and measurements in 2023. These data, combined with previously gathered information, allowed for precise interpretation of subsurface layers and identification of potential geothermal reservoirs. However, the potential can only be confirmed through actual exploratory drilling,” stated Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.
He added that by September this year, following the conclusion of the exploratory work, more will be known about the feasibility of applying geothermal energy in Osijek. Upon completion of the drilling in Osijek, operations will move to Vinkovci, where preparatory work for the VinGT-1 well has already begun.
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