The Croatian hydropower sector is poised for a major upgrade with the recent contract awarded to engineering firm Končar, valued at €95.2 million excluding VAT. This contract, signed with HEP Proizvodnja, the generation arm of Croatia’s national utility, aims to modernize the generating units at HPP Varaždin, a critical component of the country’s energy infrastructure.
The scope of the contract entails a comprehensive reconstruction of two generating units on a turnkey basis. Končar will oversee all aspects of the project, including technical documentation, manufacturing and delivery of essential equipment, and installation of related systems. The timeline for execution is set at 53 months, with an anticipated completion date in 2030.
HPP Varaždin boasts an installed capacity of 94 MW, ranking it as the sixth-largest hydropower plant among HEP’s portfolio of 27 facilities. Originally commissioned in 1975, it was the first in a series of three plants constructed along the Drava River, which includes HPP Čakovec and HPP Dubrava. Since 1998, operations for these three facilities have been managed from a centralized remote control and monitoring center located in Varaždin.
This project is strategically significant for Končar as multiple subsidiaries within the group will be engaged in its implementation. The contract not only reinforces Končar’s foothold in complex energy infrastructure projects but also highlights its expertise in executing large-scale modernization initiatives that enhance reliability and operational efficiency.
The planned reconstruction is expected to prolong the operational lifespan of HPP Varaždin while improving its performance metrics. This upgrade will play a crucial role in bolstering the long-term stability of Croatia’s power system and aligning with the nation’s sustainability objectives and energy transition ambitions.
