Residents of the Spickovina district in Zabok have launched Croatia’s first operational energy community. The initiative is designed to enable local sharing of electricity generated from a jointly financed solar photovoltaic installation. The project is based on equipment installed on the roof of the local Volunteer Fire Department building.
The solar photovoltaic system began producing electricity on 1 June. Starting in July, the generated electricity is shared among 17 participating members. Participants include households, a small business, and the fire department itself. The allocation is reflected directly on participants’ electricity bills, reducing individual consumption costs.
Collective solar investment and energy bill allocation
Rather than installing separate rooftop systems for each participant, the community uses a collective model. Members co-invested in a single installation and share both the energy output and financial benefits. This structure determines how electricity generation translates into bill adjustments for each participating member.
According to the Regional Energy and Climate Agency of Northwest Croatia (REGEA), Spickovina is the first fully functioning example of a legally enabled energy community operating in Croatia. Croatia introduced the legal framework for energy communities several years ago, but implementation remained limited. REGEA said the project demonstrates a working structure for local energy sharing.
Role of REGEA and support from Zabok
The Spickovina project was developed under the European SHAREs programme. REGEA managed technical design, the administrative process, and community coordination. The City of Zabok provided financial and organizational support for the initiative.
The project is also moving into a second phase. Through the EU-funded ENERCOM Facility (LIFE programme), the community secured €45,000 to develop a long-term business plan. Additional support will come from the Citizen-Led Renovation programme.
Planned efficiency upgrades under Citizen-Led Renovation
The Citizen-Led Renovation programme will help members assess further efficiency upgrades. The measures mentioned include insulation improvements and window replacements. It also covers heating system modernization and potential heat pump installations.
REGEA highlighted the project as a replicable model for other municipalities in Croatia. The agency suggested that Spickovina could serve as a blueprint for future community-based renewable energy schemes across the country.
