Croatia’s transmission system operator, Hrvatski Operator Prijenosnog Sustava (HOPS), is set to receive a EUR 99.5 million grant to modernize and expand the country’s power transmission network. This funding, secured from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for 2021-2026, aims to address a key barrier to the development of Croatia’s energy sector, specifically improving the integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
The project will focus on optimizing, digitizing, and upgrading the power infrastructure to boost the capacity of the transmission network. This includes replacing outdated equipment and enhancing system reliability, which will also lead to reduced transmission losses and less environmental impact. The total budget for this initiative is EUR 124.4 million, with HOPS being the only eligible applicant for the grant.
The Croatian Ministry of Economy emphasized that this investment is crucial, as over 50% of the transmission infrastructure has surpassed its operational lifespan. With the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) aiming for a significant increase in renewable energy capacity—specifically adding 4,800 MW of new renewable generation by 2033—urgent investments are required. However, there is concern that the EUR 2.3 billion projected for these upgrades is not fully secured.
As part of the NECP, Croatia has set a more ambitious target for renewable energy consumption, increasing its share from 36.4% to 42.5%. This upgrade to the transmission system is critical in ensuring that Croatia can meet its renewable energy goals and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of its power grid.
