Croatian state-owned power utility HEP is nearing completion of two solar power plants in the Kvarner region and is also progressing an additional project on Cres island. The company’s activities include the 1 MW Unije solar power plant and the Cres solar facility under construction. Regional electricity demand on the Kvarner islands averages around 50 MW in winter and increases substantially during the summer tourist season.
Unije solar plant investment and commissioning timeline
The Unije project is a 1 MW solar power plant with a total investment value of around €1.6 million. Once operational, it is expected to generate approximately 1.6 million kWh of electricity annually. Commercial operation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
Cres solar plant construction with Končar partnership
Construction is nearing completion on the Cres solar power plant, which HEP is developing in partnership with Končar. The facility has a grid connection capacity of 6.5 MW and is expected to produce around 9 million kWh per year. More than 20,000 photovoltaic panels have already been installed, while testing and commissioning are underway ahead of a planned autumn launch.
Ustrine solar project near Osor on Cres island
HEP is also preparing the Ustrine solar power plant near Osor on Cres island. The proposed project has a capacity of 9.9 MW. It is being developed in cooperation with Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the City of Mali Lošinj.
The Kvarner islands’ winter electricity demand averages around 50 MW, with higher levels during the summer tourist season.
