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Description
The aim of the project is to offer a vision of long-term sustainable development of the Municipality of Topusko based on the use of renewable geothermal water and related energy and reducing CO2 emissions, as well as increased security of supply, all in line with the latest achievements in energy and automation and spatial planning of local community development. The use of geothermal water is extremely important for this area because, in addition to enabling health and recreational tourism, it also allows the use of geothermal water as an energy source for the heating system in the municipality. The project proposal plans to prepare documentation for the reconstruction of wells and increase the use of geothermal energy in the heating system in the municipality of Topusko. The current geothermal system in the municipality of Topusko consists of four geothermal wells, distribution pipelines and a central heating station. Geothermal wells need remediation due to the frequent occurrence of pipeline bursts and the introduction of regulation and automation for more rational management of this extremely valuable renewable energy source. Also, it is planned to increase the connected facilities to the geothermal hot water network, which requires the expansion of the network and the construction of new routes that will heat the newly connected facilities using system water heated by geothermal water. By connecting the facilities to the new geothermal hot water network, users will be heated by a renewable energy source from geothermal water, thus using the full potential of geothermal water in the Topusko area.
Summary of project results
The "Topusko Smart Thermal City – TopThermalCity" project aimed to address critical challenges related to the utilization of geothermal energy in Croatia. Specifically, the existing district heating system in Topusko was outdated and inefficient, relying on underutilized geothermal resources. The town faced difficulties in fully exploiting the potential of its geothermal wells due to a lack of modern infrastructure, technical documentation, and environmental assessments. Additionally, the region required enhanced energy security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions to align with Croatia’s climate and energy goals. The project sought to modernize the district heating system, extend its network, and enable the sustainable and efficient use of geothermal energy for both residential and commercial users.
The project prepared comprehensive technical documentation to modernize the district heating system in Topusko and enable the sustainable use of geothermal energy. This included plans for replacing and expanding the heating network, modernizing thermal substations, extending the central heating station, and constructing a geothermal water reservoir. A geothermal potential study and environmental impact assessment were conducted to ensure the sustainability and feasibility of the project. Documentation for repairing and maintaining two key geothermal wells (TEB-1 and TEB-4) was also developed, along with obtaining permits and approvals for future geothermal energy exploitation.
In addition to technical achievements, the project carried out extensive communication and public awareness activities. Three workshops were organized to educate local stakeholders, including public officials, businesses, and residents, about the benefits and applications of geothermal energy. A study visit to Iceland offered hands-on exposure to best practices in geothermal energy utilization, inspiring local stakeholders with practical examples. The project also used multiple media channels to reach broader audiences, including creating a promotional video, publishing articles in local and regional outlets, and sharing updates on social media. Informational materials highlighting the project’s goals and potential impact were distributed to ensure effective outreach. These efforts not only supported knowledge dissemination but also engaged the community in the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
The project delivered significant results that will benefit a wide range of stakeholders. The modernized district heating system, supported by detailed technical documentation, will enable the exploitation of 8.54 MW of geothermal energy capacity, producing approximately 19,358 MWh of energy annually. This represents a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency for the town of Topusko. The improved heating system is expected to cover 90% of local residents, compared to the previous 30%, and will extend services to commercial users in the area. This improvement will enhance energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 4,400 tons annually.
The project also benefited the local economy by creating opportunities for investors in the planned industrial zone and attracting businesses interested in sustainable energy. Educational institutions and public buildings will gain access to more affordable and environmentally friendly heating. Through the workshops and promotional activities, the project raised awareness of geothermal energy’s potential, encouraging further adoption of sustainable practices.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor project partner, EFLA Consulting Engineers from Iceland, played a pivotal role in transferring knowledge and best practices. Iceland''s extensive experience in geothermal energy utilization provided valuable insights for designing and implementing sustainable systems in Topusko. The study visit to Iceland allowed Croatian stakeholders to observe operational geothermal systems and learn about efficient district heating networks. The collaboration also helped the project team understand the legislative and technical frameworks required for successful geothermal energy exploitation. Bilateral cooperation resulted in several key outcomes. The study visit to Iceland facilitated knowledge exchange and demonstrated advanced geothermal technologies that could be adapted for use in Croatia. EFLA’s involvement improved the quality of technical documentation and ensured that the project incorporated international best practices. Bilateral meetings also fostered stronger relationships between Croatian and Icelandic stakeholders, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Both parties have expressed interest in collaborating on the next phases of the project, including the implementation of the proposed technical solutions and further exploration of geothermal energy applications. Future initiatives may focus on developing additional geothermal infrastructure and promoting sustainable energy use in other Croatian municipalities.