Croatia imports around 53% of its annual energy consumption, despite having great potential in renewable sources, especially wind energy, solar energy and geothermal, according to the European Commission’s report. Director of Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (OIEH) Maja Pokrovac said at the renewable energy conference that half of Croatia’s electricity production comes from hydropower plants and the share of wind power has increased to 14% but the potential of solar energy has not been fully utilized.
The EC recommends Croatia reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by accelerating the development of renewable energy sources. The country needs to complete and improve the incomplete legislative framework, simplifying administrative procedures for permits and the installation of equipment such as solar panels in residential buildings. Croatia also needs to modernize its electricity transmission grid and improve the transmission network between the north and south.