Exploration Confirms All Prerequisites for a 16-Megawatt Geothermal Power Plant in Varaždin County
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%).
This is the most demanding and complex project ever undertaken and financed by Varaždin County. The results were presented on Monday evening at the exploration well site.
"The exploration was completed after two full years, and the results are outstanding. It was determined that at a depth of 2,430 meters, there is a geothermal water reservoir with a temperature of 142.03 degrees Celsius, offering excellent potential for electricity production. The next step is to prepare a conceptual design and obtain environmental conditions. Following that, the design phase for the geothermal power plant will begin. What additional infrastructure will be built in the area will depend on the county council's decision. However, we certainly plan to use the thermal energy for heating greenhouses and hothouses in this region known for agricultural production. Additionally, there is the possibility of utilizing geothermal water for tourism purposes," said County Prefect Anđelko Stričak, congratulating everyone involved in the project.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Mali Bukovec, Darko Marković, noted that exploration began in 2021 after two years of preparation, during which dozens of conceptual and primary projects, studies, and reports were developed.
"Two critical documents were secured: a decision confirming the quantities and quality of reserves and a Exploitation field approval of the 'Lunjkovec-Kutnjak' geothermal waters. The exploitation field offers the potential to build a geothermal power plant with a capacity of around 16 megawatts, in addition to utilizing approximately 90 megawatts of thermal energy. These are extraordinary data that will transform the economic trajectory of the Municipality of Mali Bukovec and the entire Varaždin County. This achievement is primarily due to the financial commitment of Varaždin County and the efforts of Prefect Stričak in obtaining the necessary documentation. Not only we, but also our residents eagerly await the construction of the geothermal power plant, which I believe will begin in the next 1.5 to 2.5 years," stated Mayor Marković.
Bukotermal now faces a six-month period to define the exploitation plan for the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak field and implement environmental and nature protection measures. The main goal is to build one or more geothermal power plants and facilities to utilize the thermal energy primarily for economic purposes.
"Over €2.5 million has already been invested in the project, which represents only a fraction of the total costs expected during the design and construction of the power plant. To fully realize and complete the project, approximately €50 million is needed. The design phase for the power plant and the heat pipeline will begin soon. At the same time, we are initiating activities to open new wells and conduct further exploration in this exploitation area to fully utilize its potential," said Bukotermal’s director Alen Požgaj.
This development is particularly significant considering that only one geothermal power plant has been operational in Croatia over the past 20 years, despite conditions for investment in renewable energy sources. During the last tender for exploring six geothermal fields in Croatia, 11 bidders applied, but only three secured permits for geothermal water exploration.
Presenting the results of the tender, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Davor Filipović stated that activating geothermal potential is as important as constructing the LNG terminal, representing an investment in national security. Varaždin County has recognized the value of the Lunjkovec-Kutnjak geothermal field and invested in future geothermal power plant construction, fully aligned with green electricity production, which is increasingly in demand among energy suppliers and end consumers.