Croatia is developing a multi-layered energy position based on LNG transit, electricity storage, hydrogen infrastructure and advanced battery manufacturing. The approach also centres on gas-related infrastructure and industrial technology. The expansion plans include capacity upgrades for LNG handling and associated transport links.
Krk LNG terminal expansion and pipeline links
The Krk LNG terminal is being expanded from 2.9 billion to 6.1 billion cubic metres annually. New pipeline capacity is being added alongside the terminal works. Completion of the Zabok–Lučko pipeline and related investments is designed to raise transport capacity towards Hungary to 3.5 billion cubic metres annually.
Transport capacity towards Slovenia is expected to reach 1.5 billion cubic metres annually after the Zabok–Lučko project is completed. An infrastructure package supporting Croatia’s role as a gas entry point for Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has involved approximately €530 million in investment. The pipeline additions are intended to align with the terminal’s increased throughput.
Cross-border hydrogen network planning
Croatia is preparing a cross-border hydrogen network connecting multiple countries and regions. Engineering company Monter Strojarske Montaže and pipeline specialist CRC Evans plan to take part in more than 200 kilometres of infrastructure development. The planned system links Croatia, Slovenia and Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
The hydrogen corridor is described as part of the Northern Adriatic Hydrogen Valley. The companies’ involvement covers infrastructure work across the cross-border route. The project scope is focused on building the network connections between the participating areas.
Renewables volatility, cooling demand and battery incentives
Croatia’s electricity system is becoming more renewable but also more volatile. Renewable sources provided more than 62% of available electricity during the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong hydrology and growing solar production. Croatia temporarily returned to net exports even as consumption increased to 5,096 GWh, up almost 2% year on year.
Summer demand patterns highlight additional pressure points for system flexibility. Peak consumption during heatwaves has risen by close to 20%, placing Croatia among European markets with the strongest cooling-related demand growth. While the system remained stable, the consumption profile strengthens the commercial case for storage.
Market operator HROTE and the EBRD are developing incentive arrangements for stationary battery systems . The framework under development is intended to enable batteries to provide balancing services, wholesale arbitrage, congestion management and renewable-capture-price protection rather than depending on a single revenue stream . The work focuses on how batteries could participate across multiple market functions.
Rimac serial production of high-voltage battery systems
Croatia’s industrial activity in battery manufacturing is expanding through Rimac Technology’s production programme at its Kerestinec campus. Rimac has started serial production of high-voltage battery systems for BMW . Two automated lines with 49 robots are planned to produce up to 300,000 modules or 48,000 complete battery systems annually.
The programme is expected to create 150 jobs. It is described as moving Rimac further into the global Tier 1 automotive supply chain . Production capacity figures are tied to the automated lines at Kerestinec.
