Croatia holds Round Table on geothermal, decarbonization technologies
A panel on geothermal as part of the Round Table hosted by the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (source: AZU)
Carlo Cariaga
25 Oct 2023
Geothermal development and its role in energy transition was one of the major topics during a Round Table event hosted by the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.
Geothermal energy was one of the main topics during a recent Round Table held in Croatia tackling sustainability, alongside discussions on hydrogen and other decarbonization technologies. The discussion on geothermal energy was led by Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (AZU).
Speaking at the introduction of the “EUSAIR Energy Round Table on Hydrogen, Geothermal Energy and New Technologies,” Krpan said that the agency has started an energy transition from hydrocarbons towards renewable energy sources since 2018. This has become more important in the recent years due to geopolitical implications and natural challenges that have reduced hydrocarbon production.
As part of the Round Table event, a “Future of geothermal energy” panel was held with the participation of Martina Tuschl, Director of the Geothermal Energy Sector. Tuschl said that having available well data available to AZU for potential areas for geothermal development significantly reduce the risks and costs of initial research for geothermal projects, thus making them more attractive to potential investors.
The Republic of Croatia, through the efforts of AZU, have made great strides in geothermal development in the past years. The Act on Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons, passed in 2013, provided the legal framework for the regulation of geothermal energy, thus making the whole process acceptable and transparent for investors.
A few weeks ago, the Ministry of Economics and Sustainable Development of Croatia announced the issuance of five geothermal exploration licenses for the areas of Lescan, Medimurje 5, Pcelic, Sjece, and Kotoriba. This followed a tender for the six geothermal exploration block administered by the AZU that ran from December 2022 to June 2023.
Other panels in the Round Table were “Hydrogen – gas of the future” and “New technologies in decarbonization context.” Croatia also has potential for geological storage of carbon dioxide in both depleted oil and gas reservoirs and deep saline aquifers. All these subjects are part of the effort of the AZU to transform and rebrand the agency by turning to greener alternatives and renewable energies.
Source: AZU
