Implementation of a Shallow Geothermal Pilot System begins at Pušćine Branch School

After nearly six months of intensive preparation, Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. has officially launched the implementation of a pilot investment aimed at reconstructing the existing heating system, with future cooling capability, through the use of geothermal energy at the Branch School Pušćine, owned by the Primary School Nedelišće. The pilot investment is being implemented within the framework of the Danube GeoHeCo project.

The investment includes the installation of a modern hybrid energy system in which a ground-source geothermal heat pump (brine-to-water) will cover the building’s base heating demand, while the existing natural gas heating system will remain in operation as a backup source during periods of lower outdoor temperatures. This approach ensures an energy-efficient, sustainable, and highly reliable heating solution for the school facility.

As the school currently does not have an installed cooling system, the new solution has also been designed to enable future cooling of the building, should such an upgrade be planned and implemented. As part of the pilot investment, a borehole field consisting of two vertical boreholes, each 120 metres deep and positioned 7 metres apart, will also be constructed, together with the associated piping infrastructure.

Prior to the start of the investment, the main mechanical and electrotechnical design documentation was prepared and completed in October 2025, defining all technical, functional, and safety requirements necessary for the implementation of the new system.

The works officially commenced on 18^th of March 2026 with an initial coordination meeting held at the branch school premises, attended by representatives of the Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd., the supervising engineer, and the contracted contractors. During the meeting, the contractors were formally introduced to the site, and the agreed implementation timeline was confirmed, covering both drilling and installation works. The drilling equipment was delivered on 28^th of March 2026, while the first borehole was successfully completed on 1^st of April 2026. Works on the second borehole continued after 7^th of April 2026, with the commencement of installation works is planned in the week after 13^th of April 2026.

Through this pilot investment, Medimurje Energy Agency Ltd. once again confirms its strategic commitment to the development of sustainable energy solutions and the systematic integration of renewable energy sources in public buildings.

The project also represents the first demonstration example of shallow geothermal energy utilisation in public buildings in Medjimurje County. Following the successful completion of the investment, a study visit will be organised for interested stakeholders and project partners.

Updates on the progress of the investment will be regularly published on the official websites of Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. and Danube GeoHeCo project, as well as via social media channels.