Geothermal DH in the City of Bjelovar
Bjelovar, Croatia
Project overview
The City of Bjelovar is conducting an ambitious, multi-phase geothermal development program aimed at transforming the city into a regional leader in renewable district heating and energy independence. Alongside the already established Korenovo project, the city has also been granted the exploration block “Bjelovar” for geothermal water exploration and future exploitation. Targeted specifically at developing energy use geothermal infrastructure, this new block further expands the city’s geothermal ambitions toward supplying public buildings, residential buildings, municipal institutions, and commercial zones with renewable geothermal heat.
The two major pillars of Bjelovar’s geothermal strategy are:
1. Korenovo GT 1 (Veliko Korenovo area) – already drilled and under development for industrial, recreational, and spa uses.
2. Exploration block “Bjelovar” – a new exploration area intended to support a city-wide geothermal district heating network.
Together, these initiatives aim to make the City of Bjelovar energy independent within 10 years, according to municipal leadership.
Project Developing Company
Terme Bjelovar d.o.o., Bjelovar, Croatia
Background of the project
Historically, Bjelovar relied on conventional fossil-fuel based heating systems. However, Geological data from over 60 years of oil and gas exploration show strong geothermal potential beneath Bjelovar. The Velika Ciglena 16.5 MW geothermal power plant, the largest in Croatia, is located within the wider Bjelovar area, confirming high geothermal productivity. This context provided the strategic basis for establishing Terme Bjelovar d.o.o. and initiating multiple geothermal energy development projects.
Impact and Strategic importance
- City Wide Geothermal District Heating
- Economic Growth and Investment Attraction
- Environmental Benefits
