Danube GeoHeCo’s Pilot Investment Showcased as a Model for Shallow Geothermal Deployment in Medjimurje County (Croatia)

At the regional stakeholder event “Geothermal Energy as a Driver of Sustainable Development and Energy Transition in Medjimurje”, held on 9^th of February 2026 in Čakovec (Croatia), one of the highlights was the presentation of the upcoming Danube GeoHeCo pilot investment in Medjimurje County.

Organised by the Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. (MENEA) with the support of the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering (UNIZG-RGNF), the event gathered experts, public authorities and other regional stakeholders to discuss the geothermal potential of Medjimurje County and its role in accelerating the energy transition.

To be implemented within the Interreg Danube Region project Danube GeoHeCo – Fostering the implementation of shallow Geothermal hybrid Heating and Cooling systems in the Danube Region, the pilot investment is focused on modernising the heating system of the Branch School Pušćine. Within the framework of the pilot investment, the existing fossil-fuel-based heating system in the building will be upgraded through the integration of a geothermal heat pump, thereby introducing a renewable and energy-efficient heating solution.

The upgrade foresees the establishment of a hybrid system in which the heat pump will cover the base thermal load, while the existing heating system will operate below a predefined bivalent outdoor temperature, ensuring reliable performance during peak demand conditions. Presented by the Međimurje Energy Agency Ltd. (MENEA), the pilot investment demonstrates how shallow geothermal systems can be successfully integrated into public buildings.

The new system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers operating costs and increases energy efficiency, while ensuring reliable performance throughout the year. Beyond its local impact, this investment serves as a practical example for other municipalities in Medjimurje County as well. It shows that shallow geothermal energy can be a realistic, scalable and immediately applicable solution for decarbonising public infrastructure and supporting the broader energy transition.

The organized event also provided a broader overview of ongoing geothermal initiatives in Medjimurje County. In addition to the Danube GeoHeCo’s pilot investment, participants were introduced to the results of three complementary projects: TRANSGEO, focused on the revitalisation of abandoned hydrocarbon wells for geothermal use; InnoGeoPot, which presented innovative methods for assessing geothermal and thermal energy storage potential; and GeoBuilding, aimed at promoting energy renovation through the use of geothermal systems in Hungary-Croatia cross-border area.

Together, these four projects demonstrate a comprehensive approach to harnessing both deep and shallow geothermal resources, positioning Medimurje County as an active contributor to the green energy transition in Croatia and entire Danube Region.