Energy Policies
Croatia’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for 2021–2030 outlines the country’s strategy for achieving its energy and climate objectives in line with the EU’s Green Deal. The plan is structured around five key dimensions: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal energy market, and research, innovation, and competitiveness.
By 2030, Croatia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System (non-ETS) by 7% compared to 2005 levels. In the area of renewable energy, the target is to reach a 42.5% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption and a 73.6% share in electricity generation. To support energy efficiency, Croatia plans to limit primary energy consumption to 388.5 PJ and final energy consumption to 291.3 PJ. In terms of regional integration, the country aims to achieve at least 15% electricity interconnection capacity with neighbouring countries.
Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for the Republic of Croatia for the period 2021-2030
The relevant legislation in Croatia in the energy sector includes:
Laws
- Energy Law
- Law on the Electricity Market
- Law on Regulation of Energy Activities
- Law on Confirmation of the Agreement on the Energy Community
- Law on Energy Efficiency
- Law on Construction
- Law on Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration Act
- Heat Market Act
In addition, a string of secondary legislation regulates the energy sector.
Specific Island Policies
Smart Islands
Croatia’s Action Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy (May 2023) provides a strategic approach to make use of the country’s significant offshore renewable potential. The plan identifies over 29,000 km² of sea space suitable for offshore renewable energy development, with the potential to install up to 25 GW of offshore wind capacity in low-impact areas of the northern Adriatic and an additional 32 GW in medium-impact zones. Furthermore, more than 26,000 km² of sea area in the central and southern Adriatic is seen as suitable for floating wind and floating solar (PV) technologies.
The main recommendation is the urgent development of a national maritime spatial plan, which is essential for identifying priority areas and enabling efficient project development. The plan also supports multi-use concepts, such as combining offshore energy with hydrogen production, aquaculture, or repurposing oil and gas infrastructure. Projects should prioritise biodiversity protection, generate local economic benefits, and ensure community participation.
Although Croatia's current National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) does not yet include specific offshore targets, the action plan recommends their inclusion in the next NECP revision. It also calls for improvements to the legal framework, particularly to clarify roles and responsibilities across institutions, and suggests that the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency could serve as the main authority for offshore renewable energy projects.
The technological focus is on offshore wind (both fixed and floating) and floating solar, with applications also relevant to island decarbonisation and desalination. Integration into the national grid will require significant infrastructure upgrades and must be coordinated through updated grid development plans.
Given that offshore renewables represent a new sector for Croatia, the plan highlights the need for skills development, training, and support for the local supply chain. It encourages project developers to invest in local capacity building. The plan also proposes a national communication strategy to raise awareness and promote community involvement, including through energy communities and local investment mechanisms.
Action Plan for Offshore Renewable Energy