Croatian oil company INA, in cooperation with Koncar, is currently developing two solar projects – Virje solar power plant at INA’s gas processing facility at Molve and a smaller solar project in Sisak at the location of now defunct oil refinery. The two power plants will generate 18,000 MWh of electricity per year, enough to cover the demand of some 5,000 Croatian households.
Works on both solar power plants started in the beginning of this year and the development is progressing as planned. All key equipment (panels, inverters, substations) has already been delivered to both locations. Foundations have been built at both locations, while most of solar panels have been installed at Virje.
According to INA, construction works should be completed in the first quarter of 2023, while the start of commercial operation is planned for the first half of the year. Virje solar power plant will have installed capacity of 9 MW and will consist of a total of 18,670 panels with expected annual electricity generation of 12,225 MWh. Sisak solar power plant will have installed capacity of 2.6 MW, 6,162 solar panels and expected annual electricity generation of 3,968 MWh.
The solar power plant is one of the projects that, according to INA’s strategic plans, will create industrial center for renewable energy sources in Sisak, at the location of former refinery, while traditional production will remain in Rijeka. It is also planned to build a biorefinery in Sisak, however, no final decisions have been made yet.
