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Description
Geothermal potential of Vukovar area was confirmed by seven wells in the immediate vicinity of the city of Vukovar, which were drilled between 1956 and 1958 for oil and gas exploration, and in which maximum temperatures ranging from 42°C to 82°C were measured.
The project of exploration and exploitation of geothermal water aims to create a technological basis for the application of RES in heating the city of Vukovar and connected settlements so that the heat of water drawn from geothermal aquifers is used to heat circulating water in the existing district heating system. Before reinjecting the water into the aquifer, remaining heat is used to heat the greenhouse. Solar energy use is also planned by installing photovoltaic panels in the area around exploitation and injection wells and on the roofs of buildings where the equipment for the geothermal system will be located; produced electricity will be used for internal consumption (lighting, pumps, ventilation, etc.), and any surplus electricity will be handed over to the electricity grid.
By replacing the current consumption of fossil fuels and biomass in the district heating system by using geothermal energy, annual CO2 emissions would be reduced by 4452.3 t.
The City of Vukovar will use the funds from this Program to finance the preparation of technical documentation necessary for exploration which will confirm the reserves of geothermal water and assure the exploitation permit.
It is expected that the exploitation will achieve:
• total thermal power of 5.07 MW, of which 3.58 MW for district heating and 1.49 MW for greenhouse heating;
• total annual heat production of 29,605 MWh, of which 20,898 MWh for district heating and 8707 MWh for greenhouse heating;
• complete replacement of the use of fossil fuels in the district heating of Vukovar by geothermal energy;
• possibility of heating greenhouses with a total area of 5.6 hectares;
• total avoided CO2 emissions of 6519 t/year.
Summary of project results
The project "Clean Energy for Vukovar" aimed to address the lack of infrastructure and technical preparation for utilizing geothermal energy in the city of Vukovar. Despite the region''s potential for geothermal energy, there was a significant gap in the technical documentation needed to explore and exploit geothermal water resources. This deficiency hindered efforts to transition to low-carbon energy sources and improve energy security. Additionally, Vukovar faced challenges in raising awareness and building local capacities for renewable energy development. The project sought to overcome these obstacles by preparing comprehensive technical documentation as a foundation for geothermal energy use, promoting clean energy solutions, and aligning with Croatia’s energy and climate goals.
The project implemented a series of activities to prepare for geothermal energy exploration and enhance local awareness of renewable energy. A key achievement was the creation of technical documentation, including a tender offer for geothermal water exploration, a geothermal potential study, an environmental protection study, and conceptual and mining projects for drilling the Vukovar GT-1 well. The documentation also included designs for obtaining location permits and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The project achieved several measurable outputs, including an estimated annual geothermal energy production of 19,906.56 MWh per year. This production is expected to result in a reduction of 6,519 tons of CO2 emissions annually, highlighting the significant environmental benefits of geothermal energy. Additionally, the installed capacity for geothermal energy production reached 3.46 MW, based on the initial production capacity of geothermal water at a flow rate of 15 liters per second.
Communication and public awareness activities were integral to the project’s success. A communication strategy was developed, and promotional efforts included the production of a project logo, brochures, leaflets, posters, a banner, and a promotional video. The project organized an opening and closing conference, two press conferences, and three workshops involving Croatian and Icelandic stakeholders. Eighteen news articles were published on the City of Vukovar’s website in both Croatian and English, accompanied by five social media campaigns and a radio appearance. Two study visits, one to Iceland and one to Vukovar, facilitated knowledge exchange and highlighted best practices in geothermal energy.
The project delivered significant results for the City of Vukovar and its stakeholders. It established a strong technical foundation for geothermal energy exploration, paving the way for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. The documentation and activities undertaken during the project directly benefit local businesses, public institutions, and residents by enabling future investments in geothermal energy infrastructure. Public facilities, such as schools and administrative buildings, will benefit from reduced energy costs and improved energy efficiency. The broader community will also enjoy improved air quality and economic opportunities associated with renewable energy development.
Local stakeholders, including project team members and workshop participants, gained valuable knowledge and skills for managing and promoting renewable energy projects. The project enhanced public awareness through its promotional activities and demonstrated the feasibility of transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. These outcomes align with Croatia’s energy and climate goals, contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.
Summary of bilateral results
The Icelandic partner, EFLA Consulting Engineers, provided essential expertise in geothermal energy exploration and development. Their involvement ensured the technical documentation met international standards and incorporated advanced practices from Iceland, a leader in geothermal energy. The study visit to Iceland allowed Croatian stakeholders to observe operational geothermal systems and gain insights into best practices for geothermal energy use. EFLA’s participation in workshops in Vukovar further strengthened local capacities and fostered a productive exchange of knowledge and experience. Bilateral cooperation resulted in several key achievements. The study visits and workshops facilitated by EFLA enhanced the technical knowledge and capacities of Croatian stakeholders. The exchange of experiences and best practices strengthened the project’s implementation and visibility at local, national, and international levels. Bilateral activities also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in promoting renewable energy and demonstrated the benefits of knowledge sharing between donor and beneficiary countries. Although no concrete plans or agreed future projects have been made, the conclusions and recommendations for future actions – such as strengthening communication channels, organizing regular meetings, and clearly defining roles – indicate an intention and potential for continued bilateral cooperation. The knowledge exchange, successfully conducted bilateral meetings, and established contacts with experts from Iceland have created a solid foundation for future projects and ongoing collaboration in the field of geothermal energy.