Exploration works have begun in Virovitica to test the geothermal potential of the VirGT-1 well, as part of a project examining the possibilities of using geothermal energy for energy purposes. The research is being carried out by the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency at the geothermal water exploration area “Virovitica 2”, located in the area of the City of Virovitica and the Municipality of Lukač.
“With this initiative, Virovitica demonstrates a thoughtful approach to long-term development and the search for sustainable solutions for the city’s future. The exploration of geothermal potential is important because it enables us, based on expert and verified data, to assess the possibilities available to us,” said Ivica Kirin, Mayor of Virovitica.
The VirGT-1 exploratory geothermal well is planned to reach a depth of approximately 1,300 meters, and the research focuses on geological structures with potential geothermal water deposits. The research area is located in the central part of the Drava Depression, which is considered geologically promising for this type of energy research.
“Geothermal energy is one of the few renewable sources that is stable, locally available, and independent of weather and market conditions. The aim of the exploration works in Virovitica is to determine whether there is potential that could be used in the future energy system — primarily for heating, but also for other locally applicable purposes. We are approaching the research in Virovitica with the same professional and technical standards that have resulted in positive findings in previous research conducted in four Croatian cities,” said Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency.
Geothermal energy in Croatia is recognized as one of the key renewable sources with the potential to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in urban heating systems in the Pannonian part of the country. The Virovitica project is part of a broader cycle of geothermal potential exploration activities for district heating purposes. In addition, the Hydrocarbon Agency is implementing a separate project in which positive research results have already been confirmed in Osijek, Velika Gorica, and Vinkovci, while the completion of exploration activities in Zaprešić and the results of testing are expected in the coming weeks.
