Croatian PVMax project to launch at least 100 MW of solar investments

Date: July 6^th 2021

Topic: Electricity , Renewables , Energy policy

The aim of the Croatian PVMax project is to stimulate HRK 500m (EUR 66.77m) of investments in at least 100 MW of integrated photovoltaic capacities in Croatia, said the country’s economy ministry on Monday.

The aim of the project, which will be carried out by the North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency (REGEA), is to help Croatia develop its market for renewable energy sources, and, in particular, encourage the construction of photovoltaic power plants on the roofs of buildings in the private, commercial and public sectors.

“The PVMax project is in line with the strategic goals of Croatia and its energy development strategy, which foresees the development of at least 768 MW of solar capacities by 2030,” said Croatia’s minister of economy and sustainable development, Tomislav Coric.

“The project will further accelerate the development of solar power plants and help achieve Croatia’s climate targets in relation to renewable energy sources and the decarbonisation of buildings and the economy,” added the minister.

The potential for solar energy in Croatia is estimated at 6.8 GW, of which 5.3 GW is for utility-scale photovoltaic plants and 1.5 GW for rooftop solar systems. At least 800 MWp of solar capacity could be added in the country’s agricultural sector, said Maja Pokrovac of the Croatian renewable energy association OIEH last week.

However, Croatia still has a lot of work to do to tap into its full renewables potential, not just solar, said Julije Domac, the director of REGEA. According to Domac, Croatia has approximately 17 W of installed renewables capacities per capita, a lot less than Germany (500 W), Italy (300 W) or even Slovenia (100 W).

The PVMax project, valued at EUR 1.98m, is being financed from the technical assistance funds of the ELENA programme managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The aim of the programme is to provide support to increase the installed capacity of renewables.

Croatia recently prepared a new renewables law and adopted a low-carbon strategy, thus setting the stage to enable a coal phase-out by 2040 at the latest.

Additionally, Croatia is likely to hold its first auction for large renewable projects, primarily aimed at solar and wind plants, in the autumn.

1 HRK = 0.134 EUR