With a planned depth of nearly 3 kilometers, the well will provide precise data on the energy potential of geothermal water based on its temperature and flow rate. Expected outlet temperatures of 90 to 140°C open up new possibilities for its use in Velika Gorica’s district heating system.
As Croatia faces growing demands for energy security and advances in its energy transition, geothermal energy stands out as a stable, renewable, and reliable solution - independent of weather conditions and environmentally friendly. The drilling of an exploratory geothermal well in Velika Gorica is a crucial step toward transforming district heating in continental Croatia, laying the foundation for a sustainable thermal system that taps into domestic resources to reduce reliance on energy imports," said Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.
He added: „The Pannonian Basin holds significant geothermal potential, which we must fully utilize to advance district heating and strengthen the energy independence of local communities. If the results of previous exploration activities are confirmed - and I firmly believe they will be - this model could establish a new benchmark for heating systems across continental Croatia and inspire further growth of geothermal energy in our country."
For the drilling of the exploratory geothermal well in the preliminary exploration area of Velika Gorica, the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, following a public tender, signed a turnkey contract covering design, material procurement, and drilling of geothermal well with CROSCO – Naftni Servisi, a member of the INA Group, which has many years of experience in drilling operations. The President of INA’s Management Board, Zsuzsanna Ortutay, emphasized: „INA, with its service companies CROSCO and STSI, is a leading force in Croatia when it comes to new exploration projects - both in the field of geothermal energy and in traditional oil and gas resources. We are pleased that the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency has recognized us as a reliable partner for the realization of their geothermal projects. In addition to supporting other investors, INA is also launching its own investments in geothermal projects in Croatia, which we see as a valuable addition to our oil and gas exploration and production portfolio."
The Mayor of Velika Gorica, Krešimir Ačkar, highlighted that the drilling of the well in the Velika Gorica area is a key infrastructure project for the local community, stating: „Exploration of geothermal potential in the Velika Gorica area is one of the most important strategic projects in the coming period because we expect it to provide the citizens of Velika Gorica with more affordable and environmentally friendly heating. Thanks to the government’s energy measures package, we have not felt a rise in energy prices recently, but we certainly need a long-term solution for cheaper heating.“
For the implementation of the project "Preparation and exploration of geothermal potential in the context of district heating,“ €50.8 million has been secured through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under the measure to promote energy efficiency, district heating, and renewable energy sources. The total value of the investment in Velika Gorica exceeds 11 million euros.
„Croatia is rich in geothermal potential, and this investment is part of a broader strategy for energy independence. The Government of the Republic of Croatia will continue to support projects that utilize renewable energy sources and contribute to economic growth and development,“ emphasized Goran Romek, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy and State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy. He also noted that Croatia faces the challenge of transitioning to an energy-efficient and sustainable district heating system, with geothermal energy playing a key role in achieving these goals.
