Croatia with one of biggest increases in electricity use in Europe as heatwave continues, blackout risk ruled out

Croatia’s first major heatwave of the year is placing increasing pressure on the country’s electricity network as air conditioning use drives power consumption sharply higher.

Although the electricity system remains stable and there is no immediate risk of supply disruptions, energy experts say rising demand highlights the need for long-term investment and improved energy efficiency.

Speaking on HRT’s Studio 4 programme, energy expert Igor Grozdanić said Croatia is currently among the European countries experiencing the largest increases in peak electricity demand during the ongoing heatwave.

According to Grozdanić, Croatia currently ranks fourth in Europe for peak electricity consumption during the heatwave, behind Greece, Montenegro and Turkey.

Some international analyses also place Croatia sixth globally, alongside countries including China and Mexico.

He noted that peak electricity demand, which had previously increased by around 18 percent during heatwaves, has now exceeded 19 percent and is approaching 20 percent.

Grozdanić said the figures should serve as a warning that Croatia’s electricity network will face growing pressure in the coming years.

Croatia’s current electricity consumption is also approaching the national record set on 16 July 2022, when demand reached its highest level on record.

He believes that record could be broken within the next two to three years if current trends continue.

Despite the increased demand, Grozdanić stressed there is no reason for public concern.

He said Croatia’s electricity grid remains reliable and the overall power system is operating safely, with no risk of a nationwide blackout under current conditions.

However, he warned that much of the country’s electricity infrastructure is ageing. Around half of Croatia’s electricity network is more than 40 years old and was not designed to cope with today’s high summer demand, which is largely driven by households, tourism and the service sector.

He also pointed out that the busiest part of the tourist season has not yet begun, meaning electricity demand could increase further in the coming weeks.

Grozdanić advised households to use electricity more efficiently during periods of peak demand, particularly between midday and 3 pm and again from 8 pm to 10 pm. Where possible, he suggested reducing air conditioning use during these periods to help ease pressure on the network.

Looking ahead, he said Croatia should focus on improving the energy efficiency of buildings through better insulation, roofs, windows and façades.

Such measures would reduce electricity consumption for cooling while lowering the burden on the national electricity grid during increasingly frequent summer heatwaves.