ZAGREB, 18 July (Hina) - Croatia remains heavily reliant on electricity imports, while drought conditions and the unprofitability of fossil fuel-based production further highlight the limited self-sufficiency of the country's energy system, according to an analysis by the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (OIEH) industry association.
OIEH supports this assessment with data from the second quarter of 2025, during which imports accounted for 17.3% of all available electricity, a continuation of the high levels recorded earlier this year.
The association argues that this demonstrates insufficient domestic production and a clear need to increase reliance on Croatia's own energy sources.
Monthly figures show that imports accounted for 4.9% of supply in April, rising to 19.6% in May and peaking at 32% in June.
OIEH says the June figure confirms a "concerning trend of energy dependence, particularly during the summer months."
The analysis also notes that hydropower production was 23% below the long-term average, primarily due to a lack of spring rainfall and weak snowmelt, which significantly reduced the usual seasonal contribution from this renewable source.
Meanwhile, output from fossil-fuel plants was cut in half (a 51.6% drop), largely due to the Plomin thermal power station being offline and the broader economic unfeasibility of operating gas-fired plants.
On a more positive note, other renewable sources, solar power, wind, biomass and biogas, saw a notable increase and, for the first time, became the largest single component of the country's electricity supply, accounting for 29.7% of total available energy, according to OIEH figures.
"To reduce import dependence and ensure supply stability in the face of climate and market volatility, it is essential to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects and simultaneously invest in the electricity grid and advanced storage systems. Only a flexible and modern network can support greater integration of renewables, system stability, and protection for end users from price volatility," the analysis concludes.
The association also recalls that, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Hrvoje Požar Energy Institute and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, it is conducting a study on grid bottlenecks and battery storage needs in Croatia.
The findings will serve as the basis for strategic planning and targeted investment, with the ultimate aim of building a reliable, self-sufficient energy system that supports the green transition, OIEH experts said.
