The Korlat solar facility, the largest of its kind in Croatia, has commenced trial operations, delivering electricity to the national grid for the first time. This significant milestone was announced by HEP Group CEO Vice Orsulic during an event celebrating the 130th anniversary of the country’s initial electricity system.
Situated in northern Dalmatia near the village of Korlat and close to Benkovac, the solar power plant boasts an installed capacity of 99 MW and a network connection capacity of 75 MW. The facility spans approximately 150 hectares within the Ravni kotari region, marking a substantial addition to Croatia’s renewable energy landscape.
As part of the Korlat Energy Park, this facility operates alongside an existing wind farm, creating Croatia’s first hybrid electricity generation complex that integrates both solar and wind technologies at a single site. The construction phase for the solar installation was completed in about 14 months, executed by a consortium led by Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute and Norinco International Cooperation, both affiliated with China North Industries Group.
The solar plant employs single-axis tracking systems for its panels, allowing them to adjust throughout the day to maximize energy output. Once fully operational, it is projected to generate around 165 GWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to Croatia’s renewable energy goals.
The overall investment in this project reached approximately 70 million euros. HEP financed a substantial portion through a loan package totaling 62 million euros, backed by international financial institutions. Notably, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) contributed 31.6 million euros, with additional funding provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
