In March 2023, the Strategic study on the environmental impact (Study) of the plan for the development of the geothermal potential of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 (Plan) was prepared.
The Study was prepared as part of the project that the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency is currently implementing, which includes the measure "C1.2. R1-I2 Promotion of energy efficiency, heating and renewable energy sources for decarbonisation of the energy sector - preparation and exploration of geothermal potential related to central heating" as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
The subject of the study is the assessment of likely significant impacts on the environment and human health that could result from the implementation of the plan for the development of the geothermal potential of the Republic of Croatia by 2030. This is a basic strategic planning document that defines the area in which the geothermal potential is to be explored, developed and used, the methods of extraction of geothermal water for energy purposes, the technique and technology of extraction, the method of use by the end user and the orientation of the energy development of the Republic of Croatia towards green energy.
The study was carried out for the entire area of Pannonian Croatia and its conclusions indicated the areas where activities related to the exploration and use of geothermal water can be carried out and implemented.
Within the framework of the strategic assessment and in accordance with the decision of the Directorate for Nature Protection of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (Ministry) (CLASS: UP /I-612-07/21-37/243; UR NO: 517-10-2-3-21-2 ), the procedure for the main acceptance of the Ecological Network Plan was carried out. According to the opinion of the Ministry's Directorate of Nature Conservation (CLASS: 612-07/21-58/49; UR NO: 517-05-2-3-23-16) and based on the Main Acceptance Procedure of the Ecological Network Plan and the analysis of potential impacts on the ecological network, it was determined that the Ecological Network Plan is acceptable if the mitigation measures set out in the study and the draft final plan are applied to mitigate negative impacts on the ecological network.
Strategic study on the environmental impact is available at the link.
The plan for the development of the geothermal potential of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 is available at the link.
