Croatia is moving forward with its plan to create the country’s first solar-powered highway, with solar power plants set to be developed at key locations along the A3 motorway. These installations will be located at the Zagreb-Plitvice and Rastovica rest areas, as well as the Sredanci and Ivanja Reka interchanges.
A public call has been issued for conceptual designs of the solar power plants at four locations spanning from Zagreb County to Vukovar-Srijem County. The total area to be covered by the solar installations is approximately 36 hectares. Designers are required to submit three different energy production models for each location, along with an economic feasibility assessment.
The project is part of Croatia’s broader efforts to reduce the energy dependence of the highway operator, HAC, by transitioning to renewable energy sources. This aligns with the objectives laid out in the National Development Strategy for 2030, which includes expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations. Over the next five years, the country aims to establish 259 charging stations along 1,100 kilometers of highways.
The public call for designers closed last week, and the chosen contractor will be tasked with completing the project within eight months.
