Croatia posted a temporary electricity surplus in the first quarter of 2026, enabling exports to exceed imports. The shift was mainly linked to exceptionally strong hydrological conditions that lifted hydropower generation across the system.
Supply, demand and net export balance
Data from the Croatian Renewable Energy Association show total available electricity of 5,227 GWh over January to March, up 4% year-on-year. In the same period, domestic demand reached 5,096 GWh. This left a net export surplus of 131 GWh.
Electricity consumption increased even with relatively mild winter weather. Total demand rose by nearly 2% compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Temperature-adjusted consumption grew faster, increasing by 4.4% to 5,182 GWh.
Renewables mix: hydropower, solar and wind
Renewable energy sources accounted for 62.2% of total generation in the quarter. Hydropower contributed 39% of total supply after output climbed by 22.3%, supported by abundant water inflows.
Solar power showed the strongest growth among technologies. Output from solar plants increased by 50.7% versus Q1 2025, reflecting continued expansion of installed capacity and favorable conditions for photovoltaic project development.
Wind generation declined during the quarter, falling by 12.8%. Weaker wind conditions also contributed to a slight overall reduction in other renewable output categories.
Nuclear contribution from Krško
Croatia continued to draw on electricity from the Krško nuclear power plant. It received 758 GWh in Q1 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.
Nuclear energy represented 14.5% of total available electricity supply. The share provided a stable baseload component alongside variable generation from renewables.
