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Description
Kutina is an industrial city in the area of the Pannonian Basin, which has been based its prosperity, economic and social development on the exploitation of hydrocarbons and the petrochemical industry. Over the time, Kutina has moved away from heavily polluting industries and carefully builds a different image, a portrait of a modern, urban environment. Public policies and strategically selected development projects are aimed on development of highly productive and competitive industries and development the "City of Technology". The project solves the problem of non-existence of a complete overview of geothermal potential, ie. lack of technical documentation for geothermal water research in the area of Town Kutina. use of geothermal energy (district heating systems and commercial use) After the full implementation of the project, Kutina will annually produce geothermal energy in the amount of 31,594.40 MWh, with reducing annual CO2 emissions by 6,957.09 t. The project strengthens the professional capacity of 7 employees of the local Town Kutina government and companies owned by him, in the field of management, use and promotion of RES. The city of Kutina plans to combine geothermal energy with other renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic power plants in public buildings. The project focuses on the preparation of technical documentation required for geothermal water research in the Batina/Kutina area, ie applying for a license to explore geothermal aquifers, applying for a license and starting research that includes preparation of documentation, recording additional geophysical data and overhaul of existing well Batina-1 and/or drilling a new well. The project shows positive financial indicators in the case of overhaul of the Batina-1 well, and in the case of drilling a new well in the City.
Summary of project results
The project "Preparation of technical documentation for the research of geothermal waters in the area of Batina, City of Kutina" focused on addressing the untapped potential of geothermal energy in Kutina. Despite having significant geothermal resources, the region lacked the necessary technical documentation and infrastructure to exploit these resources effectively. The challenges included obtaining exploration permits, assessing environmental impacts, and preparing detailed designs for geothermal well testing and development. Additionally, there was a need to strengthen the capacities of local stakeholders in managing renewable energy projects and integrating geothermal energy with other renewable sources, such as photovoltaic systems on public buildings.
The project successfully prepared detailed technical documentation required to initiate geothermal energy exploration in the Batina area, laying the groundwork for future energy production and environmental sustainability. The documentation included a request to open a tender for geothermal water exploration, an offer for the tender, a geothermal potential study, and a conceptual mining project for testing the Batina-1 well. It also included an environmental impact assessment and a mining project for the well. These documents ensured compliance with national regulations and provided a clear pathway for advancing geothermal energy development. The project management team, comprising staff from the City of Kutina and Razvojna Agencija Mrav d.o.o., coordinated all activities, ensuring smooth implementation. The project''s communication efforts included two informational workshops for city employees and partner organizations to enhance their understanding of geothermal energy and renewable resources. Additionally, a study visit to Iceland allowed participants to observe advanced geothermal energy applications and best practices. Public awareness was raised through a project website, online posts, leaflets and brochures. The project also hosted an initial conference, a closing conference, and installed three permanent plaques to inform the public about the project''s goals and funding sources.
The project achieved key outcomes by preparing all necessary documentation to initiate geothermal energy exploration in the Batina area, with a projected annual production of 31,594.40 MWh and an estimated reduction of 6,957.09 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to achieve an installed capacity of 5.41 MW, significantly advancing renewable energy production in the region. The primary beneficiaries include the City of Kutina, which now has a clear framework to exploit its geothermal potential, and local businesses and institutions, which stand to benefit from more affordable and sustainable energy sources. Public buildings such as schools and administrative facilities are also positioned to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
The project raised awareness among local stakeholders and strengthened their capacities through workshops and study visits, enabling them to manage renewable energy projects more effectively. The broader community benefited from increased awareness of the environmental and economic advantages of geothermal energy, fostering long-term support for renewable energy initiatives. The technical documentation and strengthened capacities ensure the project''s sustainability and align with Croatia’s and the EU’s energy and climate goals.
Summary of bilateral results
The Icelandic partner, EFLA hf, provided critical expertise in geothermal energy exploration and development. Their input ensured that the technical documentation met international standards and reflected best practices. The study visit to Iceland organized by EFLA enabled Croatian stakeholders to learn from Iceland''s extensive experience with geothermal energy, gaining insights into practical applications, equipment, and project management strategies. Despite some challenges, such as geographical distance and language barriers, the partnership enriched the project by providing advanced knowledge and fostering international collaboration. The bilateral partnership with EFLA resulted in the successful transfer of knowledge and best practices from Iceland to Croatia. This included five bilateral workshops during the study visit to Iceland, where participants gained hands-on experience and engaged in discussions with Icelandic experts. These workshops covered topics such as geothermal well systems, environmental sustainability, and the integration of geothermal energy into local infrastructure. Additionally, EFLA contributed to the technical documentation, ensuring it incorporated Icelandic expertise and experience, which strengthened the project''s overall quality. Both parties recognize the value of ongoing collaboration, particularly as the project transitions to the implementation phase. Future initiatives may include joint applications for funding, additional technical consultations, and the development of further renewable energy projects in Croatia. This continued partnership will help maintain the momentum generated by the project and expand the use of geothermal energy in the