The Croatian Ministry of Economy has formed a working group on nuclear energy, consisting of experts from academia, state institutions, and the energy sector, alongside representatives from the Ministry. Croatia has been a co-owner of the Krsko nuclear power plant for over 40 years, which provides around 16% of the country’s total electricity consumption.
As many EU countries are already exploring nuclear projects as part of their energy strategies, Minister of Economy Ante Susnjar emphasized the importance of Croatia making timely decisions to evaluate all energy options, ensuring both energy security and national stability. He described the creation of the working group as a vital step toward shaping Croatia’s future energy policy.
The working group’s key tasks include drafting a legislative framework for nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution, establishing the conditions for an independent regulatory body, and analyzing energy development scenarios that incorporate nuclear power. Additionally, the group will conduct studies to assess potential locations for new nuclear capacity, including both traditional nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs).
The Ministry highlighted that SMRs are considered one of the most promising future solutions for nuclear energy, offering greater flexibility, improved safety, and faster implementation into national energy systems. SMR technology meets stricter safety standards and supports a more decentralized power supply.
The working group will also analyze the financial and economic aspects of SMRs compared to larger nuclear plants to determine the most suitable option for Croatia. Alongside this effort, the Ministry of Economy is collaborating with institutions like the Rudjer Boskovic Institute to create nuclear energy study programs, aiming to rebuild expertise and develop a skilled workforce to preserve and expand nuclear knowledge in the country.
Minister Susnjar stressed the importance of understanding global energy trends and making strategic decisions to ensure long-term energy stability and sustainability. Croatia’s nuclear agenda is focused on reducing CO2 emissions and achieving long-term energy independence. The working group will play a critical role in assessing technological, regulatory, and financial aspects and providing strategic recommendations for the country’s future energy development.
