August peak exceeds prior summer and latest winter maximum
Croatia registered a new record summer electricity demand peak in August, with the highest load occurring in the evening hours. Hourly consumption reached 3,400.5 MWh at 21:00, surpassing the previous summer record of 3,362.8 MWh in 2024 and 3,150.1 MWh last year. The latest peak also exceeded the most recent winter maximum of 3,264.2 MWh.
Cooling demand is part of the shift, while tourism is also cited as a key factor. During summer, electricity consumption moves sharply toward Croatia’s coastal and tourist regions, where demand can rise to as much as five times winter levels.
January-July consumption and drivers behind monthly demand
National electricity consumption reached 10.632 million MWh in January-July. The figure was around 1% higher year on year and 1.9% above the 2024 level. July demand totaled 1.662 million MWh, about 8% below July 2024 despite severe heat during the season.
The relationship between temperature and consumption is described as complex. Humidity, wind conditions, holidays, the duration of heatwaves and tourism activity can all materially change demand patterns.
Evening load profile as solar output declines
For the power market, the change is reflected in the hourly profile rather than only in annual or monthly totals. Croatia’s grid is generally most heavily loaded between 20:00 and 22:00. Midday underlying demand can also be strong, but growing rooftop solar generation increasingly supplies some consumption behind the meter.
This affects how system peaks appear, pushing the visible peak toward the evening when solar production falls rapidly.
HEP flexibility measures including hydropower and battery storage
HEP is increasing the role of flexible assets to respond to system conditions during peak hours. Hydropower output is adjusted according to system needs, while market imports are used when domestic production is insufficient.
Batteries are planned alongside renewable capacity additions including the recently commissioned 75 MW Korlat solar plant and the planned 45 MW Sukosan project. Longer-term flexibility options include reservoir and pumped-storage projects such as HES Kosinj and HPP Vinodol.
