In 2024, Croatia's electricity consumption is characterized by a substantial share of low-carbon energy sources, which dominate more than half of the total electricity mix. Specifically, clean energy comprises roughly 58% of the total electricity generation, with hydropower alone accounting for 35% and wind power following with nearly 13%. Emerging solar power contributes over 4% and biofuels slightly more than 5%. Fossil fuels still account for about a fifth of the electricity mix, with gas and coal contributing nearly 17% and over 4% respectively. Net imports make up about 21%, indicating Croatia relies on external power sources to meet its electricity demands. The country's commitment to clean energy is evident, yet there is an opportunity to further reduce reliance on imported and fossil-generated electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Croatia?
Croatia's electricity consumption has shown growth over recent years. In 2024, the total electricity consumption per person was nearly 5,000 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 by 120 kWh per person. However, the transition towards a cleaner energy mix has faced some setbacks. The low-carbon electricity generation in 2024 was 2,872 kWh per person, a decrease of 213 kWh from its high in 2023. This decline in clean energy is concerning and reflects the importance of maintaining momentum in expanding low-carbon energy. Continued growth in electricity demand paired with a reduction in clean energy generation calls for immediate action to reverse this decline and to ensure sustainable energy progress for the future.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Croatia can expand its existing wind power infrastructure, building on its significant contribution to the current energy mix. Looking to fellow European nations, insights can be gained from Denmark, which generates more than half of its electricity from wind power, demonstrating the potential of wind energy. Furthermore, learning from countries with robust nuclear programs like Slovakia and Slovenia, where nuclear energy accounts for 62% and 34% respectively, could prove pivotal. An investment in nuclear energy would not only increase clean electricity production but also solidify Croatia's pathway towards a more self-sufficient, low-carbon energy future. Emphasizing the development of solar energy, as seen in countries like Greece and Spain, could further enhance Croatia's clean energy capabilities and diversify its energy portfolio.
History
Throughout Croatia's history with low-carbon electricity, hydropower has played a dominant role. From the early 1990s onwards, fluctuations in hydroelectric capacity have been the norm, with noticeable increases in certain years like 1991 and 2013, when hydroelectric output significantly rose. Conversely, there have been periods of decline, representing a challenge in relying heavily on a single source of low-carbon energy. Thus, the diversification into more stable clean energy sources like solar and nuclear would mitigate the erratic contributions from hydropower and stabilize Croatia’s electricity generation, ensuring more consistent progress toward its sustainability goals. This diversified approach is necessary to support electricity growth and environmental targets in the long term.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.