Croatia is developing a multi-layered energy position spanning LNG transit, electricity storage, hydrogen infrastructure and advanced battery manufacturing. The country’s approach also centres on gas-related infrastructure and industrial technology. These elements are being built out through separate but connected projects across the region.
Krk LNG capacity and new pipeline links
The Krk LNG terminal is set to expand from 2.9 billion to 6.1 billion cubic metres annually. New pipeline capacity is being added in parallel with the terminal upgrade. Completion of the Zabok–Lučko pipeline and related investments is expected to raise transport capacity towards Hungary to 3.5 billion cubic metres annually and towards Slovenia to 1.5 billion cubic metres.
About €530 million has been invested in the infrastructure package designed to support Croatia’s role as a gas entry point for Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pipeline additions are intended to align with the increased LNG throughput at Krk. This expansion links Croatia’s import capability with cross-border gas flows.
Northern Adriatic Hydrogen Valley cross-border network
Croatia is preparing a cross-border hydrogen network under the Northern Adriatic Hydrogen Valley concept. Engineering company Monter Strojarske Montaže and pipeline specialist CRC Evans plan to take part in infrastructure spanning more than 200 kilometres. The planned connections link Croatia, Slovenia and Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
The companies’ involvement covers development of hydrogen-related pipeline infrastructure across the three jurisdictions. The project scope is described as exceeding 200 kilometres of connectivity within the Northern Adriatic Hydrogen Valley framework.
Renewables volatility, cooling demand and battery incentives
Croatia’s electricity system is becoming more renewable but also more volatile. During the first quarter of 2026, renewable sources provided more than 62% of available electricity, supported by strong hydrology and growing solar production. Croatia also returned temporarily to net exports while consumption rose to 5,096 GWh, up almost 2% year on year.
Demand patterns during summer highlight the operational implications of that shift. Peak consumption during heatwaves has increased by close to 20%, placing Croatia among European markets with the strongest cooling-related demand growth. The system remained stable, while the changing consumption profile strengthens the commercial case for storage.
Market operator HROTE and the EBRD are developing incentive arrangements for stationary battery systems . The framework under development would enable batteries to provide balancing services, wholesale arbitrage, congestion management and renewable-capture-price protection rather than depending on a single revenue stream .
Rimac serial production for BMW high-voltage batteries
Croatia’s industrial position is also expanding through battery manufacturing at Rimac Technology’s Kerestinec campus. Rimac has started serial production of high-voltage battery systems for BMW. Two automated lines equipped with 49 robots can produce up to 300,000 modules or 48,000 complete battery systems annually.
The programme is expected to create 150 jobs, supporting Rimac’s move further into the global Tier 1 automotive supply chain. Production capacity figures are tied to the two automated lines at the Kerestinec facility.
