Geothermal exploration begins in Virovitica as Croatia pushes energy independence

Croatia has taken another significant step towards strengthening its renewable energy sector with the launch of geothermal exploration works in the eastern town of Virovitica, reinforcing the country’s long-term energy transition and energy independence goals.

State Secretary Vedran Špehar attended the official marking of the start of exploratory drilling on the geothermal well Virovitica GT-1, a project focused on assessing the potential use of geothermal energy for district heating systems.

Speaking at the event, Špehar emphasised that the project represents an important milestone in Croatia’s shift towards greater energy self-sufficiency, particularly through the use of domestic, reliable and renewable energy sources.

The exploratory geothermal well Virovitica GT-1 is planned to reach a depth of approximately 1,300 metres, where geological structures with potential geothermal water reservoirs will be examined.

The works are being carried out within the “Virovitica 2” geothermal exploration area, which covers parts of the City of Virovitica and the Municipality of Lukač. The project is led by the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.

State Secretary Vedran Špehar (Photo: Ministry of Economy)

The exploration zone lies in the central part of the Drava Depression, an area considered geologically promising for the development of geothermal projects. Based on professionally verified data, the aim is to determine whether geothermal energy can be sustainably used as a locally available renewable source, primarily for centralised heating systems.

If successful, the project could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions and bring long-term energy cost savings for households and public institutions.

Špehar highlighted that the Croatian Government and the Ministry of Economy have, in recent years, secured financing models specifically designed for capital-intensive geothermal projects.

Through initiatives implemented by the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, geothermal potential has already been confirmed with a 100 per cent success rate at several locations across Croatia, using funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Further activities are supported through the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme.

(Photo: Ministry of Economy)

“Geothermal energy is one of the most stable renewable energy sources and can play a very important role in the sustainable development of heating systems, particularly in the Pannonian region of Croatia,” Špehar said.

He added that, beyond environmental and energy benefits, such projects deliver strong economic impacts by boosting local and regional competitiveness and supporting the development of specialised expertise.

The Ministry of Economy, in cooperation with the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency and local and regional authorities, continues to provide strong institutional and technical support for projects that contribute to Croatia’s energy security, system stability and sustainable development.