Croatia posted a temporary electricity surplus in the first quarter of 2026, enabling exports to exceed imports. The shift was mainly linked to exceptionally strong hydrological conditions that boosted hydropower generation across the system.
Quarterly supply, demand and net export balance
Data show total available electricity reached 5,227 GWh from January to March, up 4% year-on-year. Domestic demand during the same period was 5,096 GWh, leaving a net export surplus of 131 GWh.
Electricity consumption increased despite relatively mild winter conditions. Total demand rose by nearly 2% year-on-year, while temperature-adjusted consumption grew by 4.4%, reaching 5,182 GWh.
Renewables generation mix in Q1 2026
Renewable energy sources accounted for 62.2% of total generation in Croatia’s power mix. Hydropower contributed 39% of total supply after output increased by 22.3%, supported by abundant water inflows.
Solar output recorded the strongest growth among generation technologies. Solar plants produced 50.7% more electricity than in Q1 2025, reflecting continued expansion of installed capacity and favorable development conditions for photovoltaic projects.
Wind generation declined during the quarter, falling by 12.8%. Weaker wind conditions contributed to a slight overall decline across other renewable output categories.
Nuclear contribution from Krško plant
Croatia also continued to draw on its share of electricity from the Krško nuclear power plant. The country received 758 GWh in Q1 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.
Nuclear energy represented 14.5% of total available electricity supply during the quarter. It provided a stable baseload contribution alongside variable renewable generation.
The first quarter therefore reflected higher hydropower and solar generation under favorable weather conditions that temporarily shifted Croatia into a net exporter position.
