Predsjednik Vlade RH Andrej Plenković danas je u Županijskoj palači uručio Ugovor o eksploataciji geotermalne vode na eksploatacijskom polju geotermalne vode "Lunjkovec - Kutnjak" direktoru Bukotermala d.o.o. Alenu Požgaju. 

Tvrtka Bukotermal, u vlasništvu Varaždinske županije i Općine Mali Bukovec, 15. siječnja ove godine dobila je dozvolu za pridobivanje geotermalnih voda u energetske svrhe od strane Ministarstva gospodarstva, a rok za potpisivanje ugovora iznosi 45 dana, dok će ugovor vrijediti sljedećih 25 godina.

The Bukotermal project is one of the largest and most significant initiatives not only in this area but also in Varaždin County, possibly extending its importance beyond. We spoke with Darko Marković, the Mayor of the Municipality of Mali Bukovec and the key figure in this project, about the progress made this year and the current status of the project.

Croatia holds significant potential for the development of geothermal energy, particularly in regions with geothermal sources such as Podravina, northwestern Croatia, Međimurje, and Zagorje. These areas boast a thermal gradient (temperature increase per unit meter) that is 60% higher than the European average.

Varaždin County, the Municipality of Mali Bukovec, and their company Bukotermal are moving forward with the design and permitting process for the construction of the first geothermal power plant in Northern Croatia and the second in the country. Bukotermal has fulfilled the final condition required to launch this largest project in the history of Varaždin County: a contract has been signed with INA for the purchase of the land housing the Lunjkovec-1 well, thus resolving all property and legal matters.

Following the successful completion of exploration at the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak geothermal field in the Municipality of Mali Bukovec, conducted by the public company Bukotermal, Varaždin County Prefect Anđelko Stričak, along with his associates, visited Sárvár in Hungary. A working meeting was held there with the leadership of Aquaprofit, one of the world's leading companies in water management, including geothermal resources.

Exploration conducted at the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak geothermal field has confirmed that all prerequisites exist for the construction of a geothermal power plant with a capacity of approximately 16 megawatts in Varaždin County. This is excellent news for one of the largest geothermal exploitation fields in Croatia, spanning 99 square kilometres. The exploration was initiated by Bukotermal Ltd., a public company owned by Varaždin County (85%) and the Municipality of Mali Bukovec (15%).

The company Bukotermal Ltd., owned by Varaždin County (85%) and the Municipality of Mali Bukovec (15%), has successfully completed its exploration after three years. This work, assigned to the company in 2020 following a public tender by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, has culminated in obtaining Exploitation field approval for the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak geothermal water exploitation field from the competent Ministry.

Exploration is underway at the Kutnjak-1 well at the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak field, conducted by Bukotermal. The progress of the work was reviewed by Dr. Josip Križanić, President of the County Assembly, Darko Marković, Mayor of the Municipality of Mali Bukovec, and Kristina Turk, Municipal Councillor of Legrad.

The Municipality of Mali Bukovec welcomes the decision of the Varaždin County Assembly to establish the company Bukotermal Ltd., as this step lays the foundation for potential energy independence of municipalities and towns in the eastern part of the county, as well as for further economic development in the region, particularly in floriculture and agriculture.