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 🔥

The 2025 U.S. Geothermal Market Report published by the National Laboratory of the Rockies & Geothermal Rising

The 2025 U.S. Geothermal Market Report published by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR, formerly NREL) in collaboration with Geothermal Rising and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), provides a comprehensive update on the geothermal sector since the 2021 report. By: Robert Buluma Released in 2025 (with data through mid-2025), it expands coverage to include geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) for single-building and district applications, alongside power generation and direct use. The report highlights steady growth in installed capacity, accelerating investment in next-generation technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and closed-loop geothermal (CLG), cost declines, policy support, and emerging opportunities driven by demand for reliable, 24/7 clean energy. Geothermal Power Generation: Steady Growth and Momentum U.S. geothermal power has seen consistent expansion, with nameplate installed capacity reaching 3,96...

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...

Switch's Bold Move: 13MW Geothermal PPA with Ormat in Nevada – Game-Changer

Switch's Bold Move: Signing a 13MW Geothermal PPA with Ormat Technologies in Nevada – A Game-Changer for Sustainable Data Centers Image: Ormat Power Plant Posted by Alphaxioms Geothermal News on January 12, 2026 Welcome back to Alphaxioms Geothermal News, your go-to source for all things geothermal energy, innovation, and sustainability. As we kick off 2026, the intersection of renewable energy and high-tech industries is heating up—literally. Today, we're diving deep into a groundbreaking announcement that's set to reshape how data centers power their operations. Global data center operator Switch has inked a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ormat Technologies for 13MW of geothermal power from the Salt Wells geothermal power plant in Nevada. This isn't just another deal; it's a pivotal step toward carbon-free, reliable energy for the AI-driven future. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll unpack the details of this agreement, explore the technolog...

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...

Banda Baru Geothermal Tender Flops: Zero Bidders Step Forward

Banda Baru Geothermal Survey Tender Fails to Attract Bidders By: Robert Buluma Indonesia's push toward renewable energy suffered a notable setback in late 2025 when the tender for the Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment (WPSPE) of the Banda Baru Sepa geothermal block closed without a single bidder. Located on the remote Seram Island in Maluku Province, this 1,989-hectare site was seen as a promising addition to the nation's geothermal portfolio, with estimated potential of around 25-30 MW. The tender, open from October 31 to December 1, 2025, aimed to assign a developer for initial surveys and exploration, but the lack of interest underscores deep-rooted challenges in attracting investment to Indonesia's geothermal sector. Seram Island, a rugged and largely undeveloped landmass north of Ambon, is characterized by dense rainforests, towering mountains, and limited infrastructure. The Banda Baru block's location amplifies logistical difficulties, making it a to...

FINANCING STRATEGIES FOR GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS LEVERAGING TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES

FINANCING STRATEGIES FOR GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS LEVERAGING TAX CREDIT INCENTIVES Aligning Policy, Risk Mitigation, and Investor Capital to Unlock Geothermal Growth Geothermal energy stands at a unique crossroads in the global energy transition. It is one of the few renewable resources capable of delivering continuous, baseload power and heat, independent of weather conditions. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal offers grid stability, industrial heat, and long-term energy security. Yet despite its immense potential, geothermal deployment has historically lagged behind other renewables due to high upfront capital costs, geological uncertainty, and complex financing requirements. In recent years, governments and financial institutions have increasingly turned to **tax credit incentives as a strategic lever to overcome these barriers. By reducing capital expenditure, improving cash flow profiles, and attracting institutional investors, tax credits are reshaping how geothermal projects are fina...

Versailles Powers Its Historic Legacy with Deep Geothermal Energy: A Model for Sustainable Urban Heating

Versailles Embraces Deep Geothermal Energy to Decarbonize Its District Heating Network By Robert Buluma The historic city of Versailles in France's Yvelines department is taking a bold step toward sustainability. On December 18, 2025, Mayor François de Mazières and Franck Lacroix, Deputy Managing Director of Engie , signed a 32-year concession agreement. This partnership entrusts Engie with transforming, modernizing, and greening the city's district heating network, aiming to slash carbon emissions while providing reliable, renewable heat to residents. At the project's core is deep geothermal energy, harnessing the natural heat from underground aquifers. The site targets the Dogger aquifer, a limestone formation from the Middle Jurassic period, located about 1,500 meters below the Paris Basin. Water in this layer reaches temperatures of around 60°C, making it ideal for heating. The plan involves drilling a geothermal doublet two wells: one to extract hot water and another t...

Rodatherm Energy: Pioneering Closed Loop Geothermal in Utah

Revolutionizing Geothermal Energy: Rodatherm's Game-Changing Approach in Utah Posted by Alphaxioms Geothermal News on January 17, 2026 Utah-based Rodatherm Energy Corporation has revolutionized the geothermal energy equation, and venture capitalists have taken note. With pilot projects planned for Millard County and Beaver County, the company has what founder and CEO Curtis Cook calls “a novel approach” to geothermal technology. In a world racing toward sustainable energy solutions, geothermal power has long been a reliable but underutilized player. Traditional geothermal systems rely on water to extract heat from the Earth's depths, often limiting their deployment to remote, sparsely populated areas due to environmental concerns and high costs. But Rodatherm is flipping the script with its innovative, waterless closed-loop system that promises efficiency, scalability, and minimal environmental impact. At the heart of Rodatherm's technology is what Cook describes as ...

Green Therma and GFZ Potsdam Launch Breakthrough Geothermal Demonstration

Turning Deep Earth Heat Into a Scalable Climate Solution: Green Therma and GFZ Potsdam Launch Breakthrough Geothermal Demonstration By: Robert Buluma Published on January 17, 2026 In the quest for reliable, carbon-neutral energy, geothermal heat stands out as one of the most promising yet underutilized resources. Unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather, geothermal energy draws from the Earth's constant internal heat — a source that's available 24/7, year-round. However, traditional geothermal systems often face high costs, geological risks, and significant heat loss when extracting energy from great depths. Enter Green Therma, a Danish innovator, and the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ (Germany's leading earth sciences research center). In early 2026, they're launching a groundbreaking demonstration at the renowned geothermal research site in Groß Schönebeck, north of Berlin. This project marks the world's first real-world installation of Green Therma's pate...

Włocławek Drills into the Future: Poland’s Bold New Geothermal Quest Begins

Włocławek Goes Deep: Poland's Latest Leap into Geothermal Energy – A Game-Changer for Clean Heating? By: Robert Buluma Deep beneath the historic streets of Włocławek, a quiet revolution is about to begin. On January 7, 2026, the city signed a landmark contract to drill the exploratory geothermal well Włocławek GT-1, plunging approximately 2700 meters into the earth right next to the local heating company, Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej (MPEC). This isn't just another construction project—it's a bold step toward ditching coal, slashing emissions, and tapping into the Earth's endless heat to warm homes in an eco-friendly way. In the coming days, massive drilling rigs will start humming to life, boring through layers of rock and sediment in search of hot, mineral-rich waters that could completely transform how Włocławek heats its apartments, schools, factories, and public buildings. If the results are positive, this single borehole could open the door to a ...

ALPHAXIOMS Geothermal News & Energy Research

Search This Blog