Electricity in Croatia in 2023

In Croatia, as of the year 2023, almost two-thirds of electricity consumption comes from low-carbon energy sources which primarily consists of hydropower accounting for over two-fifths of the total. Fossil fueled electricity comes up to only over a quarter, with gas being the major contributor in this category close to 19%. Wind energy participation in the overall energy mix is mildly significant at around 14%, while coal and biofuel contributions are relatively minimal at approximately 7% and 4% respectively. Imported electricity makes up a little over a twelfth of the mix, while unidentified sustainable sources makeup a minute amount.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Croatia may look to expand its wind energy capacity, given it already contributes a significant percentage to the nation's energy mix. Learning from Denmark and Germany who have successfully managed to generate 59% and 30% of their electricity from wind energy respectively can provide valuable insights into efficient wind energy production. Moreover, despite the absence of nuclear energy in its present mix, Croatia may also glean lessons from countries similar to its population size and energy demands such as Slovakia and Slovenia, who derive a significant portion, 61% and 38% respectively, of their electricity from nuclear sources.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Croatia, hydroelectricity has been a significant player since the early 1990s. The electricity generated from hydro has seen a variable upward trend, with alternating periods of growth and decline. For instance, in 1991 it saw an increase of 1.6 TWh which was followed by a decrease of 1.2 TWh the very next year. This pattern continued throughout the first two decades of the 21st century. However, despite this ebb and flow, the overall trend for hydroelectricity remains significantly positive, cementing it as a solid foundation for generating electricity in a low-carbon methodology in the country.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources