Geothermal Investment Forum Croatia – GIFC 2025
March 3 – 4, 2025, Zagreb
Geothermal energy is gaining momentum as a crucial part of the global energy transition, and GIFC 2025 will be at the center of these developments. This premier event will bring together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore the future of geothermal energy and its role in sustainable economic growth.
The conference will feature high-level discussions, case studies from successful projects, and insights from international experts. It will provide a unique opportunity for key players in the sector to exchange knowledge, foster partnerships, and explore investment opportunities that drive the industry forward.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Monday,
3.3.2025.
19:00
Exclusive evening reception and networking event powered by Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK)
Invitation only
Tuesday,
4.3.2025.
08:30
Registration
09:00
Official opening and Welcome Speeches
o Mario Aunedi Medek, Managing Director, Alpheus Public Affairs
o Luka Burilović, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy
o Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Croatia
09:15
KEYNOTE SPEECH by Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković: Towards a Sustainable Future: Croatia as a Regional Energy Hub
09:30
Spotlight Talk: The Future of Geothermal Energy in Energy Transition – Croatian Perspective
Speaker: Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board, Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency
09:45
Spotlight Talk: The Future of Geothermal Energy in Energy Transition – European Perspective
Speaker: Miklos Antics, President, European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)
10:00
POLICY ROUNDTABLE
Geothermal Energy’s Role in Achieving Climate Goals
Moderator: Sanjeev Kumar, Head of Policy, EGEC
Panelists:
o Davor Ivo Stier, MEP, Croatia (EPP), Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
o Vedran Špehar, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy
o Dražen Jakšić, Director, Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar
o Tomislav Radoš, Vice President for Industry and Sustainable Development, Croatian Chamber of Economy
o Matthieu Ballu, Policy Officer, DG Energy, European Commission
o Q&A session
10:55
Introductory Note by Ivana Ivančić, Director, ENNA Geo
11:05
15:30
Coffee break
10:45
Introductory Note by Can Soyak, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Soyak Renewables
11:15
SESSION I
Geothermal Power Plants – How to Overcome Initial Hurdles and Initiate Production?
Moderator: Dragutin Domitrović, Energy Expert and IGeoPen Director
Panelists:
o Ivana Ivančić, Director, ENNA Geo
o Yunus Emrah Karacan, Investment Development Director, Soyak Renewables
o Davide Toselli, Sales Engineer, Turboden
o Gad Shoshan, Energy Expert, former International Sales and Marketing Director, Ormat Technologies
o Gábor Molnár, Managing Director, Arctic Green Engineering
o Q&A Session
12:00
SESSION II
Geothermal cities – Integrating Geothermal Energy in Urban Development and District Heating
Moderator: Mario Aunedi Medek, Managing Director, Alpheus Public Affairs
Panelists:
o Martina Tuschl, Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, Member of the Board - EGEC
o Greg Gebrail, Associate Director, Senior Energy Specialist, EBRD
o Karl Gruber, CEO, Wien Energie
o Carla Barrera, Director of Business Development - Europe, Renewables and Energy Efficiency, New Energy, SLB
o Dražen Lovrić, Director of Korlat Energy Park Ltd. and Director of the Strategy and Development Sector, HEP
o Q&A Session
12:45
Lunch Break and Networking
o EXPO and B2B Sessions
14:15
Introductory Note: Global Perspective - Financing Geothermal Energy
o Speaker: Mariano Gonzalez Serrano, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank
14:30
SESSION III
Geothermal Energy – How to Overcome the Financing Problem? Investment Models and Risk Mitigation
Moderator: Mariano Gonzalez Serrano, Senior Energy Specialist, World Bank
Panellists:
o Milica Sredanović, Senior Investments Officer, Infrastructure Department, Europe, International Finance Corporation
o Gerdi Breembroek, Adviser CCS and Geothermal Energy, Netherlands Enterprise Agency
o Zoran Stanić, Head of Innovation Fund Unit in EIB
o Gábor Bada, Exploration and Business Development Director, Aspect Europe
o Q&A
Coffee break
15:15
SESSION IV
Geothermal Application in Agriculture
Moderator: Željka Rukavina, Independent Adviser, Croatian Chamber of Economy
Panellists:
o Dario Hrebak, Mayor of the City of Bjelovar
o Kolbrun Ragna Ragnarsdottir, Programme Officer – Geothermal at IRENA
o Silvio Šimon, Head of the Sector for the Implementation of Measures and Interventions in Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Republic of Croatia
o Tena Bilić Milinković, RURIS
o Davor Kosović, Manager of the Exploitation Field Lunjkovec-Kutnjak, Bukotermal
o Q&A Session
16:15
End of Conference and Refreshments
o EXPO and B2B Sessions continue throughout the day.