The Crisuri Water Basin Administration (ABA Crisuri) is implementing a pilot project that is unique in Romania, aimed at assessing the geothermal potential of shallow groundwater in the Crisuri basin and using it as a sustainable energy source for local administrations and industrial parks.

According to a presentation delivered on Tuesday at the Bihor Prefect's Office by Marinela Gale, head of the Hydrology Service at ABA Crisuri, the Romanian-Hungarian cross-border project is financed through the Interreg VI-A Romania - Hungary Program, with a total budget of EUR 1,018,737, of which approximately EUR 353,000 are allocated to the Bihor County institution.

The project is coordinated by the Trans Tisza Water Directorate, in partnership with ABA Crisuri and the Hungarian Crisuri Water Directorate, with the Municipality of Bors and the Debrecen municipality as associated partners.

The main objective is to utilize groundwater from gravel-terrace aquifers in the Tisza, Crisuri and Mures basins for the efficient heating and cooling of public and industrial buildings, with estimated energy savings of up to 70%.

Implementation spans 30 months, from April 2025 to September 2027. Activities include geophysical investigations, energy-potential mapping and detailed studies in pilot zones, where drilling, pumping tests, groundwater analyses and hydrogeological modelling will be carried out.

According to ABA Crisuri director Pasztor Sandor, locations with industrial potential have been selected in the Crisuri basin, such as the area between Oradea and the border, and the Ineu area in Arad County, where gravel layers correlate with planned industrial parks.

Once completed, the maps will be made available to local authorities to support investor attraction by offering heating and cooling solutions 30 - 40% cheaper than conventional systems. The proposed economic model relies on groundwater use and recirculation, ensuring system sustainability.

'The technology is already used in Germany and is beginning to be applied in Austria and Hungary, mainly for large buildings such as industrial halls or hypermarkets. Although similar to classic systems, this is not deep-well heat-pump technology (70 - 80 m), but a simpler and less costly solution,' Pasztor Sandor told AGERPRES.

The project is currently underway, with several areas in western Romania under analysis. A complete hydro-energy subsurface map is expected by 2027.

Based on the collected data, energy plans and the technical documentation required for permits and project implementation will be prepared. Contracts for geophysical studies and design services have already been signed, and first-stage investigations are in progress.

Through this initiative, the partners aim to support the green transition in the Romanian-Hungarian border region by harnessing an accessible and environmentally friendly local energy source. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)