The Croatian state-owned utility, HEP, is advancing its renewable energy initiatives with a significant project near Zadar. This development will feature a solar power plant integrated with a battery storage system, strategically located just south of the city’s airport. This initiative aligns with HEP’s objective to enhance its portfolio of clean energy assets as part of a broader commitment to sustainability.
The proposed Sukosan solar power plant is set to cover approximately 55 hectares and aims for an installed capacity of around 56.5 MW. In addition to the solar installation, the project will include a new 110/33 kV substation and a battery energy storage system capable of storing up to 200 MWh, with a power output of 50 MW. This combination is expected to improve both system flexibility and grid stability.
HEP has secured the necessary location permit for this ambitious project and is currently awaiting a construction permit, anticipated before summer. If timelines are met, construction could commence by the end of this year, representing a critical step in HEP’s strategy for an accelerated energy transition.
The financing for the Sukosan project will be facilitated by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This development is part of a larger investment scheme that also encompasses the planned 36 MW Zelovo wind farm, with the total investment for both projects estimated at around €110 million.
<pRecently, HEP has bolstered its presence in the Zadar region with the commissioning of the Korlat solar power plant, which boasts a capacity of 99 MW, and is integrated into a larger energy complex that includes a 58 MW wind farm. This consolidation further establishes Zadar as a crucial hub for renewable energy.
<pLooking ahead, HEP is also planning additional projects in the region. A major solar facility named Crno is expected to have a capacity of 90 MW and is slated for medium-term development. This expansion underscores Zadar's emerging role as a significant center for renewable energy development in Croatia.
