Križevci Geothermal Project
Križevci, Croatia
Project overview
The Križevci Geothermal Project aims to utilise the geothermal potential of the existing well Križevčanka-1 (Kža-1) for the development of renewable heating solutions for public buildings, as well as future commercial applications such as geothermally heated greenhouses and drying facilities. The preparation of technical documentation and well testing was co-financed by the EEA and Norway Grants under the Energy and Climate Change Programme, in cooperation with the City of Križevci.
Production testing conducted in 2024 confirmed the following parameters:
- Reservoir depth: 1,292 m
- Temperature: 79°C
- Yield: 19 l/s
Based on these results, the well has a thermal capacity of 3.85 MWt, with an expected operating time of 5,760 hours per year and an annual heat production of approximately 22 GWh. The project has focused on confirming reservoir characteristics and preparing the necessary engineering documentation for future geothermal heating applications, as well as the broader expansion of geothermal utilisation in the area. This includes plans for additional wells and further development of geothermal resource exploitation to increase the overall system capacity and coverage.
Project Developing Company
Komunalno Poduzeće Ltd., Križevci, Croatia
Background of the project
The exploration well Križevčanka-1 was drilled in 1985/86 to a depth of 1,496 m. It is located in close proximity to educational facilities, a sports hall, and a public swimming pool. Over the years, several studies and tests have been carried out, including well logging, production testing, hydrostatic pressure gradient measurements, and analyses of water chemistry and physical properties.
Impact and Strategic importance
- Reduced CO₂ emissions through replacement of fossil‑based heating with geothermal energy
- Strengthening energy security through local renewable sources
- Supporting climate‑neutral development
- Potential to integrate geothermal heating with the city’s broader renewable‑energy system, including solar and biomass
