Experts are warning that Croatia could face a repeat of the major electricity network failure that occurred during the summer of 2024. That blackout, which originated in Montenegro and quickly spread into Croatia, revealed serious weaknesses in the national energy infrastructure. With the summer months approaching, similar conditions—such as peak electricity demand, outdated transmission lines, and the fluctuating nature of renewable energy—raise the risk of another system collapse.
While Croatia has made notable progress in expanding solar and wind energy, the development of its electricity network has lagged significantly. The country’s transmission infrastructure has seen little modernization in over 40 years, leaving it ill-equipped to handle modern demands. This gap is particularly concerning during the summer tourist season, when high electricity consumption, especially from air conditioning, pushes the system to its limits. Although Croatia is part of a well-connected regional grid, its internal network remains underdeveloped and vulnerable in crucial areas like the Konjsko-Melina corridor.
Zdeslav Matic, a former assistant for energy at the Ministry of Economy, points to political decisions that have undermined the network’s stability. In particular, the lowering of network tariffs under political pressure has deprived transmission and distribution operators HOPS and HEP-ODS of necessary funding for upgrades. Croatia has also failed to utilize nearly one billion euros in available EU infrastructure funds, reportedly due to reluctance over stricter oversight measures aimed at preventing misuse.
Despite having significant renewable energy potential, much of Croatia’s new solar capacity is concentrated in Dalmatia, a region distant from major consumption centers and poorly connected to the rest of the grid. Building additional infrastructure, such as a new transmission line to Italy, could help distribute the load more evenly and improve overall system resilience. At the same time, neighboring non-EU countries—Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia—also face infrastructure deficits, increasing the likelihood of regional disturbances affecting Croatia.
Experts recommend that Croatia invest in energy storage technologies, such as battery systems and pumped hydro plants, to help stabilize electricity supply. The shift toward decentralized generation, including rooftop solar panels, combined with smarter network management tools and rapid-response systems, would further strengthen the system’s adaptability to sudden changes in supply or demand.
Ultimately, Croatia’s energy security will depend on decisive policy action, technical upgrades, and the abandonment of the belief that the market alone can guarantee system stability. Without a proactive approach, the country risks facing another major network failure—this time under the intense heat and stress of a summer season that is fast approaching.
