Project

GeoWasteHeat

The border region is dominantly relying on imported fossil fuels, however the border area provides good potential for geothermal energy utilisation. In the border area there are several spa facilities, mostly heated by natural gas. Utilisation of the waste heat of effluent water is spa facilities is possible, with the use of heat pumps, which is a very innovative technology, whose potential applicability should be investigated. The two partner towns provide an ideal setup, in terms of adequate water quality and quantity, as well as short distances between the heat source and the heat demand.

Overall objective of the project is to pave the way for reduction of greenhouse gas emission in the border area, applying renewable sources of energy, namely the utilisation of waste heat of effluent geothermal waters.

Specific objectives: analysis and identification of the potentials for utilisation of effluent geothermal water, particularly in lagging behind areas; preparation of interventions for utilisation of effluent geothermal water in the partner towns; raising awareness on the potential lying in utilisation of effluent geothermal water as cost-effective and environment-friendly application of renewable energy.

The project will be implemented in the two partner towns, Sellye (Hungary) and Lipik (Croatia). The implementation period is 24 months. Target groups are the partners, the local institutions, architectural designers, experts, technicians, participants of events; local companies and citizens benefiting from lowered public spending, higher quality of life and better infrastructure.

Coordinator of the project is the Lead Partner (CROST Nonprofit Ltd.), which is responsible for management, communication and mapping of geothermal waste heat potential and awareness raising activities. The Lead Partner (CROST) is also coordinating the joint methodology and the feasibility studies for Sellye and Lipik. The detailed technical documentations for utilisation of geothermal waste heat will be done by Sellye and Toplice Lipik. Izvori Lipika is responsible for the technical documentation of the new well.

Expected outputs:

  • 2 locations where renewable energy sources will be introduced (Sellye, Lipik).
    • 3 thematic project events: cross-border workshop, joint study trip, cross-border final event, thereof 2 events (workshop and final event) will be public.
    • 7 newly elaborated documents (mapping of geothermal waste heat potential, joint methodology for waste heat utilisation, 2 feasibility studies, 2 technical investment preparatory documents, 1 document for exploitation project).
    • 2 good practices identified.
    • 1 solution jointly developed (joint methodology).
    • 1 cross-border pilot action for testing the methodology.
    • 5 organisations cooperating across borders.

Results:

  • 1 jointly developed solution taken up for waste heat utilisation.
    • 4 partners cooperating across border beyond the project closure.

Policy objective: Greener and low-carbon border region

Project period: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2027

Total budget: 349 030 EUR

EU co-financing: 279 224 EUR

Project ID: HUHR/2401/2.1S/002

The project is co-financed by the Hungarian State.

Partners:

Pannon EGTC – Lead Partner, Hungary
CROST Nonprofit Ltd., Hungary
Somogy County Government, Hungary
Hungarian Public Roads, Hungary
Zala County Self-Government, Hungary
Varaždin County, Croatia
Tourism Board of Međimurje County, Croatia
Koprivnica Križevci County, Croatia
Municipality of Molve, Croatia
Public Institution for the management of protected parts of nature and ecological network of Virovitica Podravina County, Croatia
Green Osijek, Croatia
Osijek Cultural Center, Croatia