Geothermal Energy Potential and Utilization in the Republic of Croatia

Abstract

The average temperature gradient in the north of Croatia, part of the Pannonian sedimentary basin, is considerably above the world average, while in the southern, Dinarides area its value is below that figure. In spite of the considerable geothermal potential accumulated in the reservoirs of the Pannonian area, the level of utilization of geothermal energy is very low. Low temperature thermal water is widely used for bathing, swimming and medical purposes in traditional spas, some of which are also equipped with geothermal space heating systems. Only two out of ten geothermal fields discovered during hydrocarbon exploration are currently in use. According to the Program of Geothermal Energy Utilization, GEOEN, in the near future the energy from the majority of the geothermal fields should be used directly for space heating and in the agricultural sector for greenhouse heating and the industrial processing of fruit and vegetables. Construction of a geothermal electric power plant is planned by the year 2005.