More information
Description
The Krapina-Zagorje County wants to further actively explore the potential of geothermal water for the development of district heating. In the area of the local community of Krapinske Toplice, the development of geothermal projects for district heating will achieve multiple benefits. With the reduction of CO2 emissions, thermal energy obtained from geothermal sources is cheaper for end users compared to the predominantly used natural gas. This will reduce costs and increase the quality of life for healthcare facilities, tourism workers and households. Geothermal energy emits 23 g/kWh of CO2, while natural gas emits 220 g/kWh of CO2. The comparison gives a ratio of 1:9,565 in favour of geothermal energy. The future plants with an installed capacity of approximately 2.98 MW would be able to heat more than 42000 m2 of space. This achieves the projected reduction of CO2 emissions by 2.821 tons on the basis of 200 days. The Krapina-Zagorje County plans to launch the HyPoKraT project, which will produce documentation that allows further research that will lead to activities in the future exploration area, i.e. the future exploitation area, for the use of geothermal energy for heating purposes. This will increase energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change in the future. The project will directly contribute to the establishment of installed capacities for the use of energy from renewable sources, and through communication activities contribute to the strengthening of capacities for the management and promotion of renewable energy sources. Namely, through workshops and other channels of visibility, the project will address target groups, mostly citizens, but also experts and the youth.
Summary of project results
The HyPoKraT project aimed to solve several key questions in the context of the use of geothermal energy:
1. Identification and quantification of geothermal potential:
o Through the analysis of 2D seismic profiles, borehole data, magnetotelluric measurements, and geochemical measurements, the project determined the capacity of geothermal sources in the area of the municipality of Krapinske Toplice. The importance of this issue lies in the need for accurate and detailed information about available resources in order to optimize their exploitation.
2. Technical documentation for the implementation of geothermal energy:
o The project created technical documentation and project proposals, including 3D models of geothermal aquifers and simulations of geothermal water production. This is crucial for planning and building the infrastructure needed to use geothermal energy, reducing risks and costs in the implementation phase.
3 Increasing energy efficiency and production from renewable sources:
o The use of geothermal energy for the heating needs of industrial, public and medical-tourism facilities will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing the security of energy supply. These issues are critical to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and encouraging sustainable energy practices.
4. Education and promotion:
o The project included workshops for students and the general public to raise awareness and knowledge about geothermal energy and its benefits. Education and information are vital to encourage the acceptance and support of renewable energy sources among the local population.
These issues directly contribute to the goals of the "Energy and Climate Change" Programme, which focuses on reducing the carbon footprint and increasing the security of energy supply. Through detailed analysis and planning, the HyPoKraT project creates the foundations for a sustainable energy future, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which is key to combating climate change and ensuring a stable energy supply.
The HyPoKraT project encompassed a number of key activities with the aim of valorizing the geothermal potential of the municipality of Krapinske Toplice, providing the foundations for long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility. The activities were focused on detailed analysis of geothermal resources, promotion of their application and education of the local community.
First, a Geological-geophysical study was made that identified the municipality''s geothermal potential. Through the creation of a 3D model of the geothermal aquifer and the simulation of the production of geothermal water, the foundations were created for more efficient use of geothermal resources for heating purposes. Available 2D seismic profiles and borehole data were analyzed to obtain a precise picture of underground structures. The project also included magnetotelluric measurements of potential locations and geochemical measurements and analysis of surface waters, which enabled a detailed understanding of geothermal resources and their impact on the environment. The oil-mining project for testing and overhauling the KRT-1 well was crucial for confirming the sustainability of the well and its readiness for exploitation.
A conceptual project for the use of geothermal energy for the heating needs of industrial, public and medical-tourism facilities, as well as a feasibility study and CBA analysis of the geothermal project, were prepared. Environmental protection studies were also prepared, which evaluated the need for an environmental impact assessment for the activities of well overhaul and production of geothermal water for energy needs.
The project emphasized the importance of educating and informing the local community through a series of 11 informative workshops intended for potential users, the general public and educational institutions. These workshops encouraged cooperation within the local community and provided relevant information on the benefits of renewable energy sources.
Three organized press conferences further enriched the dialogue about the project''s achievements, emphasizing the key role of renewable energy sources in sustainability. Through these events, environmental responsibility and innovative practices within the community were promoted.
The results of the project, including collected data and created study documentation, represent long-term value and the basis for future projects. The collected data will enable the precise determination of locations for new wells and the installation of new systems that will use geothermal energy, contributing to the sustainable development of the municipality of Krapinske Toplice.
The HyPoKraT project achieved significant results on several levels, which contributed to the development of geothermal energy in Krapinske Toplice and beyond. The key results achieved include the creation of comprehensive technical documentation, increasing the capacity of the local community to manage renewable energy sources, reducing CO2 emissions, and raising awareness and education about renewable energy sources.
The prepared technical documentation represents the basic result of the HyPoKraT project. The documentation includes all relevant aspects of geothermal energy potential research, with a special focus on the KRT-1 well in Krapinske Toplice. This documentation includes:
• Analysis and interpretation of available and newly developed data on the municipality''s geothermal potential.
• Studies on the possibilities of using geothermal water for heating purposes.
• Analysis of the impact of the use of geothermal energy on the local community.
These studies provide key information on the geology, geophysics, thermodynamic and petrophysical properties of the geothermal aquifer, structural-tectonic relationships, and geochemistry of underground thermal waters. The documentation will serve as a basis for further development of geothermal projects, facilitating the submission of applications for exploration rights and attracting investors.
Furthermore, the HyPoKraT project significantly increased the capacity of the local community to manage renewable energy sources. Educational workshops and communication activities helped raise awareness and knowledge among citizens, experts, investors, farmers and young people about the importance and potential of geothermal energy. Increased capacities will enable the local community to manage energy resources more efficiently and implement renewable energy projects. Students from nearby secondary schools are involved in educational campaigns, which is crucial for the long-term acquisition and implementation of knowledge about geothermal energy. Farmers are familiar with the possibilities of using geothermal energy for agrothermal purposes, such as heating greenhouses for the production of food and flowers.
One of the key environmental results of the project is the reduction of CO2 emissions. Using geothermal energy instead of natural gas for the production of thermal energy significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This result contributes to global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and combat climate change.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral partnerships played a key role in achieving the success of the project through multiple aspects, including professional support, capacity building and strengthening of ties between partners. The Norwegian partner NORCE brought not only expertise but also examples of good practice in areas relevant to the project. Within project, NORCE carried out the analysis and interpretation of the available 2D seismic data, created a 3D model of the geothermal aquifer and simulated the production of water from the geothermal reservoir. They also designed a geothermal system using advanced technology that is not available in Croatia. Data on 2D seismic profiles were collected from the Hydrocarbons Agency. A representative of NORCE visited Croatia in December 2023, where he presented the results of the project, exchanged knowledge about geothermal energy and participated in the final conference of the project in Krapinske Toplice.Through study trips, workshops and other forms of cooperation, Croatian experts adopted Norwegian models and approaches in geothermal energy, adapting them to the local context. This transfer of knowledge enabled a detailed study of the advanced techniques used in Norway. Through continuous dialogue and cooperation, a sustainable model for capacity development has been created. This model ensures that local stakeholders are capable of independently managing similar projects in the future, thus ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of geothermal projects. The study visits of the Croatian partners to the laboratories of NORCE enabled the participants to become familiar with experimental approaches to the study of underground flows and related bio-geo-chemical processes. These practical experiences are essential for the application of theoretical knowledge in real situations. This will bring geothermal energy closer to the general population and enrich the existing scientific literature.