Study Visit and Deployment Desk Meeting within the Danube GeoHeCo Project

Photo by FEK

As part of Activity 2.2 of the Danube GeoHeCo project, a successful study visit showcasing best practices and a deployment desk meeting (online) were held in Kragujevac on June 26 and 27, 2025.

The event was jointly organized by the Regional Development Agency Bačka, the Regional Economic Development Agency for Sumadija and Pomoravlje, and the Faculty of Engineering in Kragujevac, University of Kragujevac, as part of ongoing efforts to promote and expand the use of shallow geothermal energy (SGE).

During the study visit, twelve representatives of key stakeholders visited two sites in Kragujevac where water-to-water and ground-to-water heat pump systems have been installed. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the technical characteristics of these systems, hear user experiences, and understand the benefits they bring to local communities — from improved energy efficiency to reduced CO₂ emissions.

On the following day, June 27, 2025, a hybrid-format deployment desk meeting took place with eleven participants from various sectors. The meeting focused on analyzing barriers that hinder the wider adoption of SGE technologies and discussing possible solutions to overcome these challenges.

Key activities presented during the meeting included:

Analysis of barriers and possible solutions: Regulatory, administrative, technical, and financial challenges were identified. Concrete proposals were developed to facilitate the integration and broader use of shallow geothermal energy in local and national strategic planning.
Presentation of an online tool for geothermal system sizing: Participants were introduced to an interactive tool designed to simplify the estimation of geothermal system capacity for specific sites, significantly easing the planning process and decision-making.

The events held in Kragujevac reaffirmed the significant potential of shallow geothermal energy for the sustainable energy development of local communities. The solutions demonstrated and practical experiences shared from Serbia can serve as a model of good practice for other countries in the Danube region.