Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina Eyes Geothermal Energy Utilization for a Cleaner Future
The City of Bijeljina has taken a decisive step toward energy transformation by launching an ambitious three-year plan to harness its geothermal resources. On March 26, 2026, Mayor Ljubiša Petrović signed collaboration agreements with two prominent Serbian geothermal experts from the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Mining and Geology (RGF): Professor Dejan Milenić, president of the Serbian Geothermal Association, and Professor Ana Vranješ, head of the center for renewable water energy resources at the faculty.
The agreements focus on developing a comprehensive scientific study of Bijeljina’s geothermal potential, with special emphasis on multi-purpose utilization, particularly for district heating. In addition to the study, the professors will provide ongoing consulting services to the city from 2026 to 2028. These services will cover sustainable development strategies, utilization of renewable energy sources with a primary focus on geothermal, exploration and exploitation activities, analysis of selected locations for geothermal water use, definition of a unified research methodology, preparation of project timelines and tasks, and organization of geothermal tenders.
City authorities describe the signing as the first concrete step on the path to a healthier environment and a project of immense importance for the entire Semberija region. The initiative comes at a time when Bijeljina is seeking ways to reduce its heavy dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the severe air pollution affecting the area.
Pollution from Ugljevik: A Strong Catalyst for Change
A major driver behind Bijeljina’s geothermal push is the persistent environmental burden caused by the nearby Ugljevik coal-fired thermal power plant. Located only 25 kilometers from the city and operated by Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske (ERS), Ugljevik has long been recognized as one of the largest polluters in Europe, particularly for sulfur dioxide emissions. Mayor Ljubiša Petrović has been outspoken on the issue, stating: “We are witnesses to the massive pollution generated by the thermal power plant in Ugljevik. Relevant expert institutions confirmed that it is one of the largest polluters in Europe. A geothermal heating plant would practically eliminate pollution in the city territory.”
Prevailing winds frequently carry pollutants from Ugljevik directly over Bijeljina, worsening winter air quality when heating demand peaks. Like many cities in the Balkans, Bijeljina relies on a combination of district heating and individual heating systems that often burn coal, wood, or heating oil. This combination, together with external pollution from the power plant, contributes to elevated levels of particulate matter, smog, and other harmful emissions that affect public health and quality of life.
By transitioning toward geothermal district heating, Bijeljina aims to significantly cut local emissions and reduce its vulnerability to the environmental impact of coal-based energy. A successful geothermal project could serve as a model for decoupling urban heating from fossil fuels while delivering measurable improvements in air quality.
Semberija’s Untapped Geothermal Potential
The Semberija region surrounding Bijeljina sits atop promising geothermal resources. Geological conditions in this part of the Pannonian Basin extension are favorable, with sedimentary formations and aquifers that support hydrothermal systems. Earlier exploration efforts, including wells drilled in past decades, have indicated thermal water temperatures ranging from 60°C to over 130°C in certain zones—well suited for direct-use applications such as space heating, balneology, and agricultural purposes.
Studies conducted in previous years suggested that geothermal energy could cover a substantial share of the city’s heating needs. The resource appears capable of supporting not only district heating but also cascade applications where heat extracted for buildings could then be used for lower-temperature needs like greenhouse heating or aquaculture. Such multi-purpose utilization would maximize the economic and environmental value of the geothermal resource.
Professor Dejan Milenić welcomed the city’s initiative, highlighting the strategic and long-term nature of the project. He noted that Semberija possesses natural geothermal wealth that deserves proper and systematic development. The three-year action plan is clearly structured:
- In 2026, the scientific study on geothermal potential will be completed, and the most promising exploration zones will be defined.
- In 2027, project-technical documentation, techno-economic analyses, and supporting studies for the construction of the first deep geothermal well will be prepared.
- In 2028, a public tender will be launched to select a contractor for drilling the first deep exploratory well inside the city territory.
A critical element of the plan is ensuring the first well is located within the urban area. This strategic placement would eliminate the need for long and expensive transmission pipelines later and allow direct, efficient connection to Bijeljina’s existing district heating network. Such integration would make it technically and economically feasible to partially or fully switch the city’s heating plant from fossil fuels to geothermal energy.
If realized, Bijeljina would become the first and only local community in the Republic of Srpska to operate a dedicated geothermal heating plant, setting a positive precedent for other municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Strong Academic Partnership
The involvement of Professors Milenić and Vranješ brings significant expertise to the project. The Faculty of Mining and Geology at the University of Belgrade is widely regarded as one of the leading institutions in Southeast Europe for geothermal research and development. Professor Milenić specializes in hydrogeology and geothermal systems, while Professor Vranješ leads work on renewable water and geothermal resources. Their combined knowledge will ensure that the study adheres to the highest scientific standards and that exploration activities follow proven methodologies.
Beyond producing the core scientific study, the professors will advise the city on defining research methodologies, selecting optimal drilling sites, preparing tender documentation, and establishing realistic timelines. This cross-border academic collaboration underscores the regional nature of geothermal resources, which often extend across national boundaries in the Balkans.
Regional Context and Lessons from Neighbors
While Bosnia and Herzegovina’s geothermal sector remains relatively underdeveloped, interest is growing. In the Federation of BiH, the capital Sarajevo is also exploring geothermal options for district heating. Across the broader region, several countries have made more substantial progress. Croatia has advanced several geothermal district heating initiatives, while Romania has invested heavily in integrating geothermal energy into large urban heating networks, including ambitious projects in Bucharest.
These neighboring examples demonstrate both the potential and the challenges of geothermal development. Successful projects typically begin with thorough geological studies and exploratory drilling, followed by careful techno-economic evaluation. They often benefit from a combination of public funding, European Union support programs, and private sector participation. Common success factors include strong political commitment, transparent public communication, and a phased approach that starts with pilot wells before full-scale implementation.
For Bijeljina, learning from these regional experiences will be valuable. The city will need to navigate high upfront capital costs associated with deep drilling, ensure regulatory frameworks support the project, and secure sustainable financing mechanisms.
Technical Outlook for the Project
Geothermal district heating systems generally involve drilling production wells to access hot water or steam, which is then passed through heat exchangers to transfer thermal energy into the city’s heating network. In areas with moderate temperatures like those expected in Semberija, the system may incorporate high-efficiency heat pumps to boost delivery temperatures when necessary. The used geothermal fluid can be reinjected into the reservoir to maintain pressure and sustainability, or utilized in cascade systems for additional applications.
The 2027 phase of the project will be crucial, as it involves detailed techno-economic studies. These analyses will assess capital investment requirements (drilling, surface facilities, and network upgrades), expected operational savings compared to current fossil fuel use, projected reductions in CO₂ and other pollutants, and overall financial viability. Earlier preliminary assessments indicated that geothermal heating could become competitive, especially when factoring in rising fossil fuel prices, potential carbon costs, and long-term operational stability.
Beyond heating, opportunities exist for multi-purpose use. Geothermal energy could support greenhouse agriculture in the fertile Semberija region, extend the tourist season through spa and wellness facilities, or even contribute to small-scale electricity generation in combined heat and power setups.
Environmental, Health, and Economic Benefits
The primary environmental benefit would be a substantial reduction in air pollution within Bijeljina’s territory. Cleaner air would translate into improved public health outcomes, particularly fewer respiratory problems during the heating season. The project also aligns with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s broader energy transition goals and its aspirations toward European Union integration, where decarbonization of the heating sector is a priority.
Economically, the initiative could create local jobs in drilling, construction, maintenance, and related services. It may also stimulate agricultural production through geothermal-heated greenhouses, enhancing food security and export potential. Over the long term, geothermal energy offers price stability compared to volatile fossil fuel markets, contributing to energy security for the city and the wider region.
Professor Milenić described the agreement as “the beginning of a joint mission to improve the quality of Bijeljina’s currently polluted air in the coming years” and an effort to “partially or completely diversify the heating away from fossil fuels, and to switch Bijeljina heating plant to geothermal energy.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the strong foundation, several challenges remain. Deep geothermal drilling carries geological risks, and accurate resource characterization through geophysical surveys will be essential to minimize the chance of unsuccessful wells. Securing adequate financing in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s complex political and economic environment may require creative solutions, including international grants, development bank loans, or public-private partnerships.
Public engagement will also be important. Transparent communication about the project’s benefits, minimal visual and noise impact, and long-term sustainability will help build community support.
Looking forward, the next three years represent a critical preparation phase. Success in the 2026 scientific study and the 2028 exploratory well will determine the project’s trajectory. Should the results confirm commercial viability, Bijeljina could expand the system with additional wells and gradually increase the share of geothermal energy in its heating mix. Hybrid systems combining geothermal with other renewables such as solar thermal or biomass could provide flexibility for peak demand periods.
A Visionary Step for Semberija and Beyond
Bijeljina’s geothermal initiative is more than a local infrastructure project. It represents a forward-looking approach to urban energy management that leverages indigenous natural resources to address both environmental and economic challenges. In a region historically reliant on coal, this effort highlights the potential for smaller cities to lead the energy transition.
If successful, the project could inspire similar developments across the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of BiH. It demonstrates how targeted academic partnerships, clear planning, and political will can unlock sustainable energy solutions even in resource-constrained environments.
As the scientific study advances through 2026 and preparations for the first deep well gather pace, Bijeljina stands at the threshold of a potentially transformative chapter. The underground wealth beneath Semberija offers the city a genuine opportunity to improve air quality, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and build a more sustainable and resilient energy system for future generations.
For a municipality burdened by external pollution yet endowed with significant geothermal potential, this three-year plan marks the beginning of a promising journey toward energy independence and environmental renewal.
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