Regional Educational Workshop and Panel Discussion Held in Kragujevac, Serbia

On 12 June 2026, a Regional Educational Workshop and Panel Discussion was held in Kragujevac, Serbia, as part of the Danube GeoHeCo – Fostering the Implementation of Shallow Geothermal Hybrid Heating and Cooling Systems in the Danube Region project. The event was jointly organised by the Serbian project partners – PP10 Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac (FEK), PP11 Regional Economic Development Agency for Šumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP), and PP12 Regional Development Agency Bačka (RDA Bačka).

The event aimed to strengthen the capacities of public administrations, utility companies, planners, energy experts, and decision-makers while serving as an important platform for disseminating the project's results, tools, and lessons learned throughout the implementation of Danube GeoHeCo.

The workshop opened with a presentation of the project, outlining its objectives, achievements, and contribution to promoting the wider use of shallow geothermal energy across the Danube Region. Participants were introduced to the project's two key digital outputs: the digital platform with an integrated virtual marketplace and the IT decision-support tool designed to support the planning and optimisation of shallow geothermal hybrid heating and cooling systems.

Using a Serbian case study, the presentations demonstrated how these tools can facilitate informed decision-making and accelerate the implementation of innovative geothermal solutions. Particular attention was given to the transfer of successful approaches, innovative practices, and experiences gained through the pilot investments implemented by project partners across the Danube Region.

The technical presentations also addressed the latest developments in geothermal energy technologies and hybrid heating and cooling systems, highlighting their potential to support the energy transition and improve the sustainability of public buildings and local energy systems.

The workshop continued with an interactive panel discussion entitled "Geothermal Energy – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss current challenges, future opportunities, and policy perspectives for the wider deployment of shallow geothermal energy. The discussion encouraged knowledge exchange, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration among participants while promoting the dissemination of good practices developed through the project.

The event concluded with an open discussion and networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, establish new professional connections, and explore future cooperation in advancing renewable heating and cooling solutions throughout the Danube Region.