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The introduction of renewable energy sources into the heating, cooling and transport sectors is crucial for decarbonization ; they also represent a huge opportunity for further growth in the renewable energy sector. According to Croatian hydrocarbon agency, Pannonian Basin has an above-average geothermal gradient - even 60% higher than the European average and has the basic prerequisite for the use of geothermal water for energy purposes. Temperature rises around 4, 9°C with every 100 m of depth at average. According to current estimates of existing geothermal sources, the current potential is 500 MW from geothermal energy. Some of these are sources of very high temperatures, usually above 120°C or 150°C, which can be used to produce electricity and sources with lower temperatures of 60°C or 80°C and higher, are suitable as hot water sources suitable for exploitation in district heating systems or in agriculture. Successful project is the first geothermal power plant Velika 1 started with electricity production in 2018. There are more ongoing projects because geothermal potential in Croatia has been proven in cca existing 75 wells. The use of geothermal energy is important from several aspects. Environmentally, geothermal power plants do not have fuel combustion to produce steam that drives turbines. Electricity generation with geothermal heat saves non-renewable fossil fuels. In addition, reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces their harmful emissions. Geothermal power plants take up less space per produced megawatts from other types of power plants. They are also reliable. They are designed for 24-hour operation throughout the year. |
