Belgrade’s public heating utility intends to use geothermal energy in district heating

District heating company Beogradske Elektrane has invited bids for producing a study of the geothermal potential of groundwater resources on the sites of its heating plants and boiler rooms. The aim of the study is to explore the potential for using geothermal energy in district heating in the Serbian capital, in what would help decarbonize the system.

Beogradske Elektrane plans to explore the geothermal potential of groundwater in order to reduce the use of its key energy sources – natural gas, liquid fuels, and electricity – in line with the European goal to develop emissions-free district heating systems, according to tender documents available on the Public Procurement Portal.

The value of the procurement is RSD 30 million (about EUR 255,800), and the bid submission deadline is August 24.

Overhauls of major heating plants and boiler rooms have paved the way for introducing renewables in district heating in Belgrade

By overhauling all of its major heating plants and boiler rooms, Beogradske Elektrane has created conditions to start introducing renewable energy sources, especially geothermal energy, in Belgrade’s district heating system, according to the documents.

The key goals of the study are to conduct a thorough geothermal exploration on 18 selected locations, assess the geothermal potentials, and identify the most promising locations to serve as pilot areas for further research.

The study should show whether it is possible to use geothermal resources in district heating in Belgrade

The goals also include quantifying the geothermal resources and assessing the possibilities for their use in district heating, as well as determining the technological and financial feasibility for each of the locations.

Bidders must be registered as scientific research organizations, with total operating revenues of at least RSD 60 million (around EUR 511,000) and no net losses reported in the last three financial years.