Dispatch from Croatia | October ‘25
***Our weekly Dispatches provide an overview of the most relevant recent and upcoming developments for the shift to climate neutrality in selected European countries, from policy and diplomacy to society and industry. For a bird's-eye view of the country's climate-friendly transition, read the respective 'Guide to'.***
Stories to watch in the weeks ahead
Stories to watch in the weeks ahead
- Connection fees draft – After nearly three years of delays, the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency (HERA) has published a draft of a new methodology for determining electricity grid connection fees. The new document introduces standardised fees per kilowatt (kW) for all voltage levels, ensuring a fairer distribution of costs between investors and grid operators. Larger projects at high and extra-high voltage levels will pay more due to the required grid reinforcements, while smaller systems, such as solar installations, will face lower fees. The Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia Association (OIEH) has repeatedly warned that the lack of clearly defined and transparent connection fees has stalled projects worth around three billion euros, and sent a letter to the European Commission to highlight a serious crisis in Croatia’s energy sector. The draft is currently open for public consultation until 21 November.
- Energy storage funding – Croatia has secured 50 million euros through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to support companies seeking to install battery storage systems for solar farms. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced a public call aimed at small, medium, and large enterprises. The application deadline is 31 January 2026.
- Rooftop solar support – The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund has launched a subsidy programme for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the roofs of existing family homes. Applications are open exclusively to homeowners living in the properties.
The latest from Croatia - last month in recap
The latest from Croatia - last month in recap
- Croatia considers buying NIS – Croatia’s economy minister, Ante Šušnjar, said that the country is ready to buy NIS, a Serbian oil company majority-owned by Russia and under US sanctions since 9 October. The operations of the Croatian state-owned company Jadranski naftovod (JANAF) largely depend on oil supplies from NIS, and Šušnjar said the move would benefit both Croatia and Serbia.
- Slovenia denies sending nuclear energy offer – Croatian media reported in September that Slovenia had allegedly offered Croatia the opportunity to co-invest in a new Krško nuclear power plant (NEK 2) under less favourable terms than those of the existing Krško plant in Slovenia (50/50 ownership between Croatia and Slovenia, with equal decision-making rights and shared access to the electricity produced). Now, the Slovenian government and the company Gen Energija denied the reports. They emphasised that no official offer had been made to Croatia and that Gen Energija has no mandate for such initiatives. The statement added that Slovenia continues to support joint investment in the project in line with its long-term nuclear policy.
- Solar protests – In various parts of Croatia, citizens have protested against the construction of solar farms – in Sinj (southern Croatia) due to environmental concerns, and in Zabok and Pregrada (northern Croatia) due to the expropriation of agricultural land. In Zabok and Pregrada, amendments to the Expropriation Act in 2022 allowed land to be expropriated for private energy projects, and the Renewable Energy Act defines renewable energy as an issue of national interest, which investors use as a basis for land expropriation. The private investor, Solar Grid, initiated the expropriation process, sparking public protests, while the mayors of Pregrada and Zabok announced legal and constitutional challenges.
- Renewables participation gap – Only four energy communities are currently registered in Croatia. The state of development and the obstacles facing these communities were discussed at the “Good Energy” conference organised by the Green Energy Cooperative. Speakers highlighted that Croatia has a legal framework on paper, but the concept has not yet taken off because HEP Electricity Distribution Services (HEP ODS), which carries out electricity distribution activities, does not allow citizens to share the energy they produce among themselves, preventing the financial viability of the communities. Experts emphasised that involving citizens in energy production and sharing would make the transition both fairer and more inclusive.
- Battery train debut – Croatia has launched its first battery-powered train, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The new battery train, with a range of around 200 kilometres, will operate on non-electrified lines and, from December, will run in and around the southern city Split. The project is part of a broader investment in railway modernisation. Despite ambitious plans to create an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and competitive railway network by 2032, Croatia faces challenges and delays in renewing its railway infrastructure.
Katarina's picks - reading recommendations & events
Katarina's picks - reading recommendations & events
- Women in energy –A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveals that women make up 32 percent of the global renewable energy workforce, yet hold only 19 percent of leadership positions and about 22 percent of technical roles. The report emphasises the need for targeted measures to address the continuing underrepresentation of women in the sector.
- Energy fair – The ZG Green Energy Fair 2025, the largest energy fair in the region, took place in Zagreb on 29 and 30 October, attracting over 100 exhibitors from twenty countries. The panels focused on the challenges facing Croatia's energy sector, including the heavy reliance on imports despite the country's significant solar potential, with most production coming from smaller solar systems. The need to adapt legislation to new technologies was a key theme. Heat pumps and pumped-storage hydroelectric plants were highlighted as effective solutions to provide system flexibility. Dražen Lovrić of Croatian Energy Company HEP said pumped-storage plants help stabilise the system, and that HEP plans to strengthen capacity through new facilities.
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