Bjelovar's Croation Geothermal Evaluation Finished

Harnessing Earth's Heat: Bjelovar's Geothermal Revolution

In the heart of Croatia, a quiet yet ambitious city is silently leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. Welcome to Bjelovar, where innovation meets determination, and the earth's own warmth is becoming the cornerstone of a groundbreaking energy shift.

Mayor Dario Hrebak proudly declares that Bjelovar is on the brink of transformation. With over 200 million euros invested in various projects – an amount equivalent to half the iconic Pelješki bridge – the city is not just dreaming of a sustainable future; it's actively building it.

One of the most promising endeavors is the geothermal well project in Veliki Korenovo. This venture, with a total investment of 4.4 million euros, symbolizes Bjelovar's commitment to harnessing the Earth's natural resources responsibly. Co-financed by the Governments of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, along with substantial support from the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, this project exemplifies international collaboration for a common cause.

The drilling, which commenced on February 9, promises to tap into water reservoirs with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Celsius at a depth of 1,500 meters. Progress is swift, with 293 meters already conquered within three days of drilling. Mayor Hrebak envisions this geothermal well not only as a source of warmth but also as a catalyst for economic growth. It will not only heat the surrounding business zone but also serve Terme Bjelovar and the Bjelovar Fair, ushering in a new era of prosperity for the region.

What sets Bjelovar apart is its bold vision for the future. Mayor Hrebak boldly declares that within the next decade, Bjelovar will become Croatia's first energy-sustainable city. Plans are already underway for five more geothermal wells, ensuring that the city's reliance on renewable energy sources continues to grow.

image: Croation parliament president Gordon Jandrokovic and Mayor Dario Hrebak at Korenon GT-I Wells in Veliko Korenovo

But this isn't just about Bjelovar; it's about inspiring change on a national scale. Minister Šim Erlić, during his visit to Bjelovar, emphasized the government's unwavering support for green initiatives. Bjelovar's success story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging other cities to embrace sustainable practices and integrated investments.

As the drilling machines hum with determination and the first gush of warm water emerges, Bjelovar stands on the precipice of history. It's not just about drilling a well; it's about drilling towards a future where energy is abundant, clean, and in harmony with nature.

Our earlier article also highglights how USA benchmarks on Icelands Geothermal realm

In the words of Mayor Hrebak, "Bjelovar is not just a city; it's a testament to what's possible when a community dares to dream big and act boldly." And as the world watches, Bjelovar's geothermal revolution serves as a reminder that our planet's greatest treasures are often hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed for the benefit of all.

Source:Bjelovarkom

Connect With Us On:Alphaxioms

Comments

Hot Topics 🔥

Inside the Geothermal Startup Mind: The Strategy, Funding & Sacrifices Behind Teverra’s Growth

Inside a Geothermal Startup’s Mind: Strategy, Funding, Ethics, and the Brutal Race to Commercialize This interview was done by Robert Buluma on behalf of Alphaxioms Image: The Interviewee, Dr. Hamed Soroush is the Founder and President at Teverra There’s a certain kind of silence that exists inside fast-growing startups. Not the quiet of peace, but the quiet of pressure . It’s the silence of teams racing to commercialize before competitors arrive. The silence of founders balancing mission and survival. The silence of a clean energy industry that desperately needs success stories… but is still learning how to measure them. In this one-on-one interview, we explore what it really takes to build a geothermal-driven clean energy company in today’s market, from strategic decisions and funding discipline to leadership, ethics, and the painful sacrifices behind growth. 1) Vision & Strategy: “Speed Is Everything” Q: Teverra has grown rapidly, but co...

Geothermal Power Play: Well Engineering Partners Takes Over Operations as Sproule ERCE Sharpens Advisory Focus

The geothermal energy sector is heating up literally and figuratively and a recent strategic move is set to accelerate progress in sustainable energy production. By: Robert Buluma Effective January 1, 2026, Well Engineering Partners (WEP) acquired the operational and production-focused geothermal activities from Sproule ERC (formerly associated with Veegeo). This acquisition marks a smart realignment of strengths in the booming geothermal market, where clean, reliable baseload energy is increasingly vital for the global energy transition. Imagine harnessing the Earth's natural heat to power homes, industries, and cities without the intermittency of solar or wind. Geothermal energy does exactly that, providing constant output from deep underground reservoirs. But turning that potential into reality requires specialized expertise from initial resource assessment to long-term well maintenance. That's where this deal shines: it allows each company to double down on what they do b...

Europe's Geothermal Transition: Why Repurposing Oil Wells Isn't as Simple as It Sounds

Repurposing Hydrocarbon Wells for Geothermal Applications Insights from Our Interview with Christi on EGS, Storage, and Europe’s Energy Transition Christi is a Geothermal Resource Engineer and PhD Researcher, specializing in deep geothermal systems, closed-loop systems, well repurposing (especially converting old oil/gas wells for geothermal use), Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), and Deep Borehole Heat Exchangers (DBHE). What if the thousands of oil and gas wells scattered across Europe could become the backbone of the geothermal transition? In our recent interview with Christi, a leading researcher involved in the TRANSGEO project, we explored the technical, economic, and regulatory realities of repurposing hydrocarbon wells for geothermal applications , particularly for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), thermal storage, and district heating integration. From case studies like Groß Schönebeck to regional analysis in Lausitz, Christi offered a grounded and technical perspective o...

KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead

KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead Equipment Amid Kenya's Green Energy Push In a significant move to bolster its geothermal energy infrastructure, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has issued an open international tender for the supply of specialized geothermal wellhead equipment. The tender, referenced as KGN-GDD-025-2026, focuses on expanding gate valves and adaptor flanges—critical components used in geothermal wellheads to manage high-pressure steam and ensure safe, efficient energy extraction. Released in January 2026, this procurement opportunity underscores KenGen's ongoing commitment to expanding Kenya's renewable energy capacity, particularly in the geothermal sector, which already accounts for a substantial portion of the country's power generation. Tender Details and Requirements The tender invites sealed bids from eligible candidates worldwide, emphasizing an open competitive process to attract qualified ...

CTR Launches American Data Power: 600 MW Geothermal Complex to Fuel America’s AI & Hyperscale Data Boom at Salton Sea

The recent announcement from Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (CTR) marks a significant step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. energy landscape: providing reliable, clean, baseload power for the explosive growth of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure. On January 29, 2026, CTR launched American Data Power, a new subsidiary dedicated to delivering a utility-scale 600 MW energy complex in California's Salton Sea Geothermal Field. This initiative advances the next phase of CTR's flagship Hell’s Kitchen development, positioning it as one of the largest baseload renewable energy projects in the country. Geothermal energy stands out in the renewable mix because it delivers continuous, 24/7 power unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions. The proposed complex targets a capacity factor exceeding 95%, ensuring high operational reliability. This makes it ideal for the constant, high-load demands of hyperscale data centers...

The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet: Why Geothermal Exploration Is the Industry’s Greatest Risk

Exploration Risk: The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet By: Robert Buluma Image credit: Kane Watikson on LinkedIn Geothermal energy is often described as the sleeping giant of the clean energy transition constant, weather-independent, capable of delivering 24/7 baseload power without the intermittency that defines solar and wind. Yet despite this extraordinary promise, geothermal remains underdeveloped in most parts of the world. The reason is not lack of heat. It is not lack of demand. It is not even lack of technology and not even FINANCE , Whilst many will throw that policy card, but Alphaxioms is already future proofing that . The real barrier lies several kilometers beneath our feet in uncertainty. Exploration risk is the defining challenge of geothermal energy. Unlike wind turbines that can measure wind speeds before construction, or solar farms that can predict output from sunlight data, geothermal developers must make multimillion-d...

7,000 Feet Deep, 338°F: The Game-Changing Sensor Revolutionizing Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Breakthrough in Geothermal Monitoring: Berkeley Lab's High-Temperature Seismometer Powers the Future of Enhanced Geothermal Systems By: Robert Buluma Image: Cape Station, Fervo Owned Geothermal Station Geothermal energy has long been valued as a reliable, clean, and renewable source of power. It draws heat from deep within the Earth to generate electricity with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Traditional geothermal plants rely on naturally occurring hot water or steam reservoirs, which restricts development to specific volcanic or tectonically active regions. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), however, represent a game-changing evolution. EGS engineers artificial reservoirs in hot, otherwise impermeable rock formations found almost anywhere with sufficient subsurface heat. By injecting fluid under pressure to create and propagate fractures, EGS dramatically expands the geographic reach and scalability of geothermal power, offering the potential for 24/7, c...

Unlocking Africa's Hidden Power: New Zealand and the AU Ignite the Geothermal Revolution

In a landmark diplomatic moment that signals brighter prospects for Africa's clean energy future, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, formally received the Letters of Credentials from H.E. Ms. Olivia Owen, the newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Ethiopia and the African Union, on February 4, 2026. This ceremony marks not just the beginning of a new ambassadorial tenure but a renewed surge of momentum in one of the most promising renewable energy partnerships on the continent: the AU–New Zealand geothermal cooperation. Amid Africa's urgent push to harness its vast geothermal resources—particularly along the East African Rift System—New Zealand's world-renowned expertise in geothermal development stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable, reliable, and affordable power. New Zealand, a global leader in geothermal energy, draws nearly 20% of its electricity from the Earth's natural heat. Its pioneering approaches to exploration...

ORC and Next-Gen: Advantages and Opportunities in Design and Execution

ORC and Next-Gen: Advantages and Opportunities in Design and Execution By: Robert Buluma In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) stands out as a versatile and efficient technology for harnessing low-grade heat sources, particularly in geothermal applications. Unlike traditional steam-based Rankine cycles, ORC uses organic fluids with lower boiling points, enabling power generation from temperatures as low as 80-150°C. This makes it ideal for geothermal energy, waste heat recovery, and even solar thermal systems. As we push toward a net-zero future in late 2025, next-generation enhancements to ORC systems are unlocking new advantages in design and execution. These innovations address key challenges like fluctuating energy demands, resource variability, and scalability, paving the way for more reliable and cost-effective clean energy solutions. This article explores the advantages and opportunities in ORC and next-gen technologies. We'l...

Cornell PhD: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences – Fall 2026 Opportunities

Exciting PhD Opportunities in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University (Fall 2026 Admission) By: Robert Buluma If you’re a prospective graduate student interested in cutting-edge research in climate science, glaciology, physical oceanography, geospace physics, volcanology, or cryosphere processes, Cornell University’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) just announced a fantastic set of fully funded PhD positions starting in Fall 2026. The department posted a detailed call on LinkedIn (shared widely on X/Twitter by Prof. Matt Pritchard) listing specific projects and the faculty members actively recruiting students right now. These are not generic openings; each professor has described their project and what kind of student they are looking for. Here are the current opportunities (as of early December 2025): 1. Climate Dynamics Professor: Flavio Lehner (flavio.lehner@cornell.edu) Focus: Climate variability with emphasis on how sea-surfa...

ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Search This Blog