Danube GeoHeCo Pilot investment in Moravske Toplice, Slovenia

The Municipality of Moravske Toplice, located in Slovenia, is committed to sustainable development and green energy initiatives. As part of its efforts to align with the Green Destination framework and transition toward renewable energy sources, the municipality has undertaken a pilot investment in the kindergarten of Martjanci. This pilot aims to replace the building’s existing fossil fuel and biomass-based heating system with a hybrid shallow geothermal energy solution, integrating geothermal heat pumps with the current biomass system.

The kindergarten, built in 1975 and spanning 238 m², currently consumes substantial energy from heating oil, district heat, and electricity, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system will not only reduce the carbon footprint of the building but also demonstrate the potential of shallow geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative for public sector buildings. Before implementing the system, a detailed assessment of the building’s heating demand and the local hydrogeological conditions will be carried out to determine the most suitable geothermal system, either a closed-loop borehole heat exchanger or an open-loop system.

The expected benefits of this investment are manifold. By integrating geothermal energy into the heating system, the municipality aims to reduce its reliance on imported energy, decrease its CO2 emissions, and set a replicable example for other public buildings in the region and beyond. The Danube GeoHeCo project also serves as a testing ground for an innovative IT tool that will optimize the design of hybrid heating systems, making it easier to transition other buildings to renewable energy solutions.

Once the system is implemented, the operation will be closely monitored, and the results will be shared with other partners in the program. The Danube GeoHeCo project is expected to offer valuable lessons in optimizing hybrid geothermal systems and will contribute to the development of regional energy strategies.

Additionally, the investment will help the Municipality of Moravske Toplice further solidify its position as a leader in green energy solutions, with the long-term goal of transitioning all public buildings to renewable energy. This pilot project represents an important step toward a sustainable, low-carbon future for Moravske Toplice and provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange that can have a transnational impact on energy practices in the region.