Croatia produced 902 GWh of net electricity in May 2026, according to data reported for domestic generation. Hydropower, wind and solar together accounted for almost 90% of total reported output. Despite the renewable-heavy mix, the power system remained reliant on imports.
Generation mix and year-on-year changes
Croatian Bureau of Statistics figures show hydropower plants generated 330 GWh, or 36.6% of total net generation. Wind farms produced 274 GWh, equivalent to 30.4%, while solar plants supplied 201 GWh, or 22.3%. Thermal plants contributed only 21 GWh, representing 2.3%.
The comparison with May 2025 indicates production was reported as 17% lower, when output stood at 981 GWh. The absolute values from the two months imply a decline of about 8%. This points to a mismatch between the percentage comparison and the published volume figures. The absolute production totals are presented as the clearer reference for assessing balance.
Electricity trade: imports, exports and net position
Croatia imported 1,174 GWh during May 2026, down 3% from 1,210 GWh in the same month of the previous year. Exports decreased more sharply, falling by 15.5% from 721 GWh to 609 GWh. Net imports therefore reached 565 GWh.
The net import figure corresponds to more than 62% of domestic net generation. This trade pattern reflects how domestic renewable output can vary while imports continue to cover demand during periods such as evening hours or low-output conditions. The structure also leaves the system exposed to changes in hydrology and wind conditions, alongside intraday solar variability.
Natural gas and oil production trends
Croatia’s hydrocarbon statistics show natural gas production at 60 million cubic metres, unchanged year on year. Gas imports rose by 1.5%, reaching 277 million cubic metres. Domestic crude-oil production remained at 39,000 tonnes.
Petroleum-product output increased from 316,000 tonnes to 365,000 tonnes, an increase of approximately 15.5%. In electricity, the expansion of Croatia’s wind and solar fleet is associated with lower carbon intensity in domestic generation, while imports remain part of balancing renewable intermittency against hourly demand . The gas figures also show stagnant domestic output alongside higher import volumes .
