Construction for Croatia’s first geothermal plant to start next month
We have reported about Croatia’s first geothermal power plant project of last year with the choice of Turboden as the power plant provider.
Now details of the project emerge. The project is planned to start construction March 2016.
The project is located near Bjelovar in central/ north of Crotia between the capital Zagreb and the border to Hungary. In Bjelovar is the hotest geothermal spring in Croatia, which was discovered 25 years ago. The exptected temperature is higher than 170 degrees Celsius.
“It is a total investment of EUR 35-40 million ($39-45 million). Six months ago we started to work and we are satisfied with the results, we can build the first geothermal power plant in Croatia “, confirmed CEO of Turkish company MB Holding Muharrem Balat.
About eight years ago, the city of Bjelovar tried to gather a project group with private firms and the government but without success.
“From the initial investigation and planned geothermal power plant of 4.7 MW, the developer now plans the construction of a 10 MW geothermal plant. But there are also additional development for direct use applications that could follow, “explains the mayor of Bjelovar Antun Korušec.
The project won Turkish investors for this project, which has been crucial to get the project to this stage. The company and its team not only conribute financially but also with technical knowledge to develop this project, says co-owner of the Zagreb-based “GEOEN”, Dragan Jurilj.
Construction of the plant is planned to start in March 2016 with a planned start of operation in about 12 months from that point. Hot water from the project could be used for heating greenhouses or farms or for drying fruits and vegetables.
Source: Poslovni Puls