Croatia’s first geothermal power plant project, with the choice of Turboden as the provider, is planned for the launch of construction in March. The site is located near Bjelovar in the country’s north at the hottest spring in Croatia, which was discovered 25 years ago. The expected temperature is higher than 170 degrees Celsius, state-controlled television HRT said.

Total investments are EUR 35-40 million, said Turkish company MB Holding’s chief executive Muharrem Balat. “Six months ago we started to work and we are satisfied with the results, we can build the first geothermal power plant in Croatia,“ he stressed. Eight years ago, the municipal authority tried to gather a project group with private oil firm INA, the national power utility and the government, but without success. From the initial investigation and planned geothermal power plant of 4.7 MW, the developer now plans output of 10 MW of electrical energy. Heat energy is still on the side, it is taken into account for adjacent activities, mayor of Bjelovar Antun Korušec said.

The company and its team not only contribute financially but also with technical knowledge, says co-owner of the Zagreb-based GEOen Dragan Jurilj. Planned start of operation is 12 months from the start of construction. Hot water could be used for heating greenhouses or farms or for drying fruits and vegetables, the report said.