Crosco commissioned for geothermal research drilling in four sites in Croatia

Contract signing between the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency and drilling company Crosco (source: AZU)

The Hydrocarbon Agency of Croatia (AZU) has awarded a contract to CROSCO, naftni servisi, doo (Crosco) for the design, procurement of materials and construction of exploratory geothermal wells on a turnkey basis for locations in Velika Gorica, Zaprešic, Osijek, and Vinkovci. The total value of the contract is EUR 39.7 million.

2D seismic and magnetotelluric surveys have already been conducted at these four locations (plus two others). By drilling and testing the research wells, Crosco will determine the potential of utilizing geothermal resources in the study sites and the parameters necessary to bring the wells into production. Preparatory work for drilling is expected by the end of 2024 with drilling of the first well set to start by the spring of 2025.

“Crosco is a renowned domestic company with extensive experience in drilling, both on land and at sea. This guarantees us the professional and safe construction of exploratory geothermal wells. We at the Agency are particularly pleased to have such a partner in the execution of this extremely important and demanding project that plays a key role in achieving the green transition of the Republic of Croatia, especially in the heating sector,” said Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of AZU after signing the contract.

“The signing of this contract with the Hydrocarbons Agency is a confirmation of the leading role of Crosco in the country and the region when it comes to service services. In addition to the production of oil and gas wells, we are also active in providing services in the growing geothermal energy market,” added Ferenc Tarr, Director of Crosco.

Crosco had recently completed the drilling of the Koronevo GT-1 well in the Veliko Koronevo site in Bjelovar. The company is also involved in the drilling operations at the Ernestinovo license area being developed by UK-based Star Energy Group.

INA and STSI – Integrated Technical Services will be providing support to Crosco on the issuance of permits, design, location preparation, and equipment mobilization. “INA, together with its companies, has been successfully supporting Croatia’s energy development for 60 years, and by signing today’s contract, we prove that INA can be counted on in the future as well,” said Zsuzsanna Ortutaty, President of the Management Board of INA.

Financial resources for testing and confirming the geothermal potential were granted to AZU as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan program, through measure C1.2. R1-I2 “Encouraging energy efficiency, heating and renewable energy sources for decarbonization of the energy sector “.

Source: Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency