Croatia approves EUR 30 million grant for geothermal research

View over Zagreb, Croatia (source: flickr/ Rudy Balasko, creative commons)

Croatia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has approved the allocation of grants amounting to EUR 29,828,555.70 to finance the project “Preparation and research of geothermal  potential in the context of centralized heating.” The funding was approved through the measure C1.2. R1-12 Incentive for energy efficiency, heating, and renewable energy sources for the decarbonization of the energy sector.

In attendance during the ceremonial signing of the funding agreement were Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Davor Filipovi?, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbons Agency (AZU) Marijan Krpan, and Director of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Luka Balen.

The AZU is authorized to carry out preliminary investigations to evaluate the geothermal potential of sites within the Republic of Croatia. The agency had already granted geothermal exploration licenses for five areas to three companies  following a  public tender in early 2023.

2D seismic and magnetotelluric (MT) surveys had been conducted in the sites that were offered for public tender, which will allow for the selection of two areas where geothermal drilling will be viable. The detailed documentation on the geothermal potential and possible drilling sites will be published, eliminating a large portion of the exploration risk.

This will help the local community in the implementation of geothermal water application projects. The realized investment will ensure a better use of the produced energy and the commercialization of the use of thermal energy obtained from renewable sources.

Just a few weeks ago, AZU had organized a Roundtable event on decarbonization technologies that highlighted geothermal energy as an essential component in the country’s energy transition.

Source: AZU