Historic day: Vinkovci entered on the world map of geothermal sources

Vinkovci has taken a major step that will greatly affect the future of the oldest European city. The completion of exploratory work on a geothermal well has confirmed the strong geothermal potential of this area, successfully concluding the first part of a large and strategic project, crucial for the city's energy independence and sustainable development.

The expert team measured the maximum pressure at the Vinkovci GT-1 well at a depth of 2.700 meters. temperature of 131 °CThe confirmed findings are important for Vinkovci, as a city that has central heating systems, because they open up the possibility of applying geothermal energy in heating systems.

It is also possible to develop new economic activities related to the use of thermal energy, not only in Vinkovci, but also in the surrounding areas. Thus, the geothermal potential could be used for the development of agriculture in the area of ​​the Jarmine municipality, where the exploratory well is located, primarily in terms of initiating organized production of high-income crops in greenhouses and greenhouses.

What was a vision until recently is now becoming a reality. The city on Bosut is joining the ranks of cities that are not only talking about the green transition, but also implementing it. While most cities are just preparing to adapt to climate and energy challenges, Vinkovci has already taken concrete steps in this process.

"Now, from this place, we can truly say – this is a historic day for the people of Vinkovci.", said the mayor Josip Romic, addressing the media at the location of the exploratory well. He added that the research confirmed what the city administration had believed from the beginning, that Vinkovci and the Vinkovci region have strong geothermal potential, that the energy of the future lies here.

"Energy that is clean, safe and available all year round, twenty-four hours a day, which allows us to further develop in a modern and smart way, which will ensure that in the future we will not depend on external factors and changes in energy prices, and this is exactly the right path towards energy independence, economic resilience and a sustainable future for our city. Starting tomorrow, we are starting the next phase, with the preparation of all necessary studies, preparation of project and technical documentation and planning of heating pipeline routes. The goal is to build a system that will provide more affordable heating for over 1.700 Vinkovci households in the initial phase. Thanks to which our schools, kindergartens and city institutions will switch to sustainable, clean and environmentally friendly energy sources", announced Mayor Romić.

The use of geothermal energy brings multiple benefits, reduces heating costs, increases energy security, stimulates economic growth and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

However, in the case of Vinkovci, this project also has broader symbolism, it marks the beginning of a new phase of development for a city that wants to utilize all its potential, create value from its own resources, and ensure a green and healthy future for generations to come.

"The green transition for Vinkovci is not just a "word on paper", it is a process that now has strong foundations and will bring long-term benefits to our households, economy and agriculture. This is the moment when all the stories about sustainability and green energy become reality, and the vision turns into concrete results. I would especially like to thank the Hydrocarbons Agency for its exceptional cooperation and support. This project is the best example of how, through joint action by local government and national institutions, we can achieve great things and provide concrete benefits to our citizens."", emphasized Romić.

This continues the successful series of research activities of the Hydrocarbon Agency as part of the project "Preparation and research of geothermal potential in the context of centralized heating", and the positive findings of geothermal research in Vinkovci, after Velika Gorica and Osijek, are proof that Croatia has significant geothermal potential and the knowledge to use it.

"Research in Vinkovci was carried out according to the highest technical standards and the planned dynamics of the project. After the completion of the research at the remaining location in Zaprešić, the Hydrocarbons Agency plans to drill additional wells in places with confirmed potential. This will establish the necessary production-injection pairs for the safe and long-term use of geothermal energy", she explained on this occasion Martina Tuschl, director of the Geothermal Energy Sector of the Hydrocarbons Agency.

Although city leaders in the pilot phase of the project are primarily focused on ensuring savings for citizens through district heating, it is clear that geothermal energy also has great tourism potential. "I believe that after we wrap up the story regarding district heating, the economy and agriculture, we will be able to think about spas," concludes the first man of the town on Bosut.

The Hydrocarbons Agency is implementing the project with funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which has provided EUR 50,8 million for research at four locations: Velika Gorica, Osijek, Vinkovci and Zaprešić. The project aims to increase energy independence and security of supply, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening sustainable urban development.