Croatian state-owned utility HEP is set to advance its renewable energy portfolio with the construction of a 91 MW solar power plant in the Crno area near Zadar. This initiative is part of Croatia’s broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy capacity while addressing environmental concerns by situating the facility on the periphery of urban zones.
The proposed site encompasses approximately 93 hectares of karst landscape, primarily featuring low shrub vegetation. The design aims to minimize visual disruption for nearby residents, ensuring that the solar installation remains largely hidden from view. The facility will utilize around 139,800 photovoltaic modules, which will be sourced from Canadian Solar.
Upon completion, the solar power plant is projected to produce about 119.8 GWh of electricity annually, which could provide power for tens of thousands of households. This output will significantly bolster Croatia’s renewable energy mix. With an installed capacity of 90.87 MW, this project is poised to be on par with HEP’s largest existing solar installation, the Korlat solar power plant.
The Korlat project is currently under development by a Chinese consortium and is expected to commence operations later this year. In addition to the Crno solar plant, HEP is advancing eight other renewable energy projects, including a planned 45 MW solar facility in Sukošan, demonstrating a robust commitment to expanding its renewable energy footprint.
The surrounding Crno–Zadar area has garnered considerable interest from solar developers, with a total of 11 solar projects either completed or in various stages of permitting within a ten-kilometer radius of the site. Collectively, these projects cover approximately 483 hectares. However, none have yet reached construction phase, indicating that while interest in solar development is high, actual deployment remains in its nascent stages.
This development reflects HEP’s strategic focus on enhancing renewable energy generation capabilities amid increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Croatia. As regulatory frameworks evolve and market dynamics shift, HEP’s initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of energy production in the region.
