As part of Activity 2.2 of the Danube GeoHeCo project, on June 26 and 27, 2025, a study visit to examples of good practice and a working group meeting were successfully organized in Kragujevac. 

The event was jointly organized by the Regional Development Agency Bačka, the Regional Agency for Economic Development of Šumadija and Pomoravlje, and the Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, as part of joint efforts to promote and expand the use of shallow geothermal energy (SGE). 

During the study visit, twelve representatives of key stakeholders visited two locations in Kragujevac where water–water and ground–water heat pump systems have been implemented. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the technical characteristics of the systems, user experiences, and the benefits such systems bring to the local community – from energy efficiency to reduced CO₂ emissions. 

On the following day, June 27, 2025, a working group meeting was held in a hybrid format, with the participation of eleven representatives from various sectors. The meeting focused on analyzing obstacles that hinder the wider application of SGE technologies and discussing possible solutions for overcoming them. Key activities presented during the meeting included:

• Analysis of obstacles and possible solutions: Regulatory, administrative, technical, and financial challenges were identified. Concrete proposals were developed to facilitate the introduction and broader integration of shallow geothermal energy into strategic planning at the local and national levels.
• Presentation of an online tool for geothermal system sizing: Participants were introduced to an interactive tool that enables easier estimation of the capacity of a geothermal installation for a specific location, significantly simplifying the planning and decision-making process.

The events held in Kragujevac once again confirmed the significant potential of shallow geothermal energy for the sustainable energy development of local communities. The presented solutions and practical experiences from Serbia can serve as a model of good practice for other countries in the Danube region.