Vincovci, Croatia (source: Valentino Medimorec / flickr, Creative Commons)
The survey being done in Vinkovci is being done as part of a wider initiative of the Geothermal Energy Sector of the Agency for Hydrocarbons. Similar studies have already been completed in Zapresic, Velika Gorica, Sisak, and Osijek. The next one will be done in Vukovar, according to Martina Tuschl, director of the agency.
The project to assess the geothermal potential of these six areas is part of the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan.
According to deputy mayor Josip Romic, the town of Vinkovci current has a heating system connected to about 1700 households. A geothermal resource in the region can provide heat not just for residences but also for industries, especially agriculture. The deputy mayor also emphasized that geothermal development also provides energy independence and a sustainable management of renewable energy sources.
“It is estimated that by switching to heating from geothermal sources, citizens’ heating bills would be lower by 50 percent,” Romic said.
Late last year, the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency announced a tender for six geothermal exploration blocks. The bidding round officially started on 28 December 2022 and will continue until 1 June 2023.
