Electricity in Croatia in 2023/2024

Over the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, Croatia's electricity consumption has showcased a significant reliance on low-carbon sources. More than half—57%—of the country's electricity comes from low-carbon energy, prominently led by hydropower, which accounts for about 37% of the generation. Wind energy also contributes a substantial 14%, while biofuels and solar add smaller shares of nearly 4% and just over 1%, respectively. On the fossil fuel side, around 19% of electricity is generated, with gas playing the largest role at roughly 16%. Coal makes up about 3%, complemented by close to none from unspecified renewables. Additionally, Croatia heavily relies on electricity imports, which cover approximately 24% of its needs.

Suggestions

To further enhance its commitment to low-carbon electricity, Croatia can benefit from expanding its wind energy capacity. Given that wind energy already contributes significantly to its electricity mix, increasing investments and infrastructure in this sector could lead to greater energy independence and lower emissions. Furthermore, Croatia could seek inspiration from Denmark, where wind energy accounts for nearly 59% of electricity generation. Learning from countries like Denmark that have successfully integrated wind power can offer valuable insights into policy, technology, and community engagement. Additionally, looking at neighboring countries like Slovenia, where nuclear power contributes 35% of electricity, Croatia could explore the potential of adopting nuclear energy as a substantial low-carbon electricity source, balancing its energy portfolio and further decreasing dependency on fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on historical developments, Croatia's journey in low-carbon electricity, especially hydropower, has been marked by fluctuations since the early 1990s. In 1991, a significant increase of 1.6 TWh in hydroelectricity was followed by a decrease in the early 1990s, with 1992 witnessing a drop of 1.2 TWh. The late 1990s saw further variability, while the early 2000s were marked by alternating growth and declines. Notably, 2013 experienced a substantial increase of 3.6 TWh, underscoring the potential of hydropower despite its fluctuations. The recent years have seen some increases, like in 2023 with a 2.4 TWh rise, highlighting the ongoing importance and potential of hydropower as a sturdy backbone of Croatia's low-carbon electricity generation. This history emphasizes both the volatility and the resilience of hydropower, underscoring the need for a diversified approach, integrating more stable low-carbon sources like nuclear and wind to ensure long-term sustainability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources