Croatia is preparing to expand its geothermal exploration efforts following highly encouraging initial results, with new prospective sites identified in Sisak, Karlovac and Vukovar. The announcement follows confirmed discoveries of geothermal resources in multiple cities, reinforcing confidence in the country’s untapped potential.
Earlier exploration campaigns carried out between 2021 and 2026 revealed strong geothermal capacity in Velika Gorica, Zaprešić, Osijek and Vinkovci. According to Hydrocarbon Agency head Marijan Krpan, all four locations produced water at sufficiently high temperatures, representing an exceptionally high success rate compared to global benchmarks.
Recorded temperatures range from around 90°C to over 100°C, making these resources well-suited for district heating systems. These findings now form the basis for moving geothermal energy from the exploration phase into practical, large-scale application. The next stage will involve additional drilling to develop production and reinjection wells, which are essential for efficient system operation. Authorities plan to collaborate closely with municipalities and heating operators to accelerate commercial deployment.
The initiative has been backed by funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which allocated more than €50 million for geothermal research. Officials stress that this investment is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and advancing Croatia’s broader energy transition goals.
Local authorities have expressed strong optimism about the long-term impact. City representatives highlight the potential for lower heating costs, improved energy security, and a reliable year-round energy supply. Some projections suggest that commercial geothermal heating could begin within the next few years, once further drilling is completed.
Beyond the initial locations, the opportunity may be even greater. Experts point to the favorable geological conditions of the Pannonian Basin, which could support wider geothermal development and enable broader adoption of this renewable energy source across the region.
