With the steadily growing number of geothermal energy systems (GES) installed in Europe, the relevance of utilising the thermal potential of geological layers at different depths is also increasing. In particular, this is bringing the use of geothermal potential in shallow and medium-depth subsurface into focus, both through the use of borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) systems and through the reuse of abandoned deep boreholes by means of closed geothermal probes as borehole heat exchangers (BHE). The development of multiscale geological-hydrogeological-thermal models, combined with modern decision support systems (DSS), opens up new possibilities for analysing the spatially and temporally variable geothermal potential of various GES technologies in a more informed manner and utilising it more efficiently.

The research aims to combine and integrate existing drilling data and seismic profiles with field observations and hydrochemical analyses. Based on this, geological, hydrogeological and thermal models will be developed on different scales in order to better understand and evaluate the various geothermal systems in terms of their potential and their response to thermal interventions. The study area covers the greater Zagreb area in Croatia, the city of Ljubljana in Slovenia and the cross-border area between north-eastern Slovenia and south-eastern Croatia. In selected urban and rural pilot areas, the geothermal potential at shallow to medium depths of 200 to 500 m is being investigated through the use of BHE for seasonal heat storage. In addition, the potential of recycling and upgrading decommissioned deep boreholes is being assessed.

Further information:

InnoGeoPot (link activated soon)

Data portal Swiss National Science Foundation

Website of University of Zagreb - Faculty of mining, geology and petroleum engineering