Serbia’s Beogradske Elektrane has launched a tender for exploratory geothermal drilling at its New Belgrade and Miljakovac heating plants. The programme is intended to shift from earlier geological assessment to on-site testing of potential geothermal resources for the city’s district-heating system.
Sites selected for geothermal integration assessment
The two locations were identified as having the strongest technical and economic potential for integrating geothermal energy into Belgrade’s district-heating network. The tender covers exploratory work designed to test underground conditions relevant to geothermal use.
Scope of exploratory drilling and measurements
The planned exploratory wells will evaluate the temperature, volume and availability of underground water. Findings from the drilling will be compared with existing geological models to determine whether the resource characteristics align with prior assessments.
Temperature and geothermal-gradient measurements are planned at 50-metre intervals throughout the drilling process. The contractor will also examine rock formations, drilling fluids and gases for indications of groundwater inflows.
Laboratory analysis of geological formations
Laboratory testing will analyse the geological characteristics of the Mesozoic and Neogene formations encountered at the two sites. This work is part of the programme’s effort to establish whether the geothermal conditions are suitable for practical use.
Third stage of Belgrade’s geothermal initiative
The drilling programme is described as the third stage of Belgrade’s geothermal initiative. Earlier phases focused on geological modelling, resource assessment and technical analysis, while the latest stage aims to confirm suitability for use.
If commercially viable resources are confirmed, geothermal heat could reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the district-heating system. It is also expected to limit exposure to gas-price volatility and lower emissions, with investment feasibility depending on factors including geothermal water temperature, sustainable flow rate, and integration costs with existing heating infrastructure.
Bidding deadline for exploratory drilling contract
Companies have until October 19 to submit their bids. Results from the exploratory drilling are intended to provide a basis for determining whether geothermal energy can progress beyond a diversification concept and become an investable component of Belgrade’s district-heating system.