Croatia positions itself for nuclear era as energy strategy expands

Krško nuclear power plant (Photo credit: MORS/CC BY 3.0)

Croatia is stepping up preparations for the potential introduction of nuclear energy as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen energy security, support decarbonisation and ensure stable electricity supplies.

Speaking on Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) main evening news Dnevnik, Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar said the government is already working on a nuclear energy development plan, as required under recently adopted legislation governing the civilian use of nuclear energy.

According to Šušnjar, Croatia has a number of previously studied locations that could be considered for future nuclear power projects. Existing studies and assessments will be reviewed and updated to meet current regulatory standards before any decisions are made.

The minister said nuclear energy could become one of the key pillars of Croatia’s future energy system due to its ability to provide reliable baseload electricity and help stabilise the power grid. He also highlighted Croatia’s experience through its long-standing involvement in the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and announced the revival of nuclear engineering studies in cooperation with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, with enrolment expected to begin this September.

Šušnjar identified small modular reactors (SMRs) as an important future technology but noted that Croatia is unlikely to be among the first countries to deploy them commercially. However, he said previous studies and site assessments could shorten Croatia’s development timeline by as much as eight to ten years compared with countries starting from scratch.

The government is expected to adopt an action plan for nuclear energy development within six months. Šušnjar added that Croatia could potentially invite neighbouring countries to participate as co-investors in future projects, positioning the country as a possible regional energy hub.

Alongside nuclear ambitions, the minister stressed that Croatia’s energy security has remained stable despite recent global energy crises. He pointed to the LNG terminal, gas transport infrastructure and the modernisation of the domestic refinery as key factors strengthening supply security.

The refinery upgrade is expected to increase diesel production by around 30 per cent, potentially reducing the need for some imports. Croatia is also exploring opportunities to support energy supplies to other countries, including Ukraine.

The wider energy strategy continues to include significant investment in renewable energy sources. Industry representatives say new grid connection measures could accelerate renewable energy projects and potentially contribute to lower electricity prices in the future. Geothermal energy is also attracting increasing attention due to Croatia’s significant potential, particularly in the Pannonian Basin.

Officials maintain that a combination of energy security, affordability and decarbonisation will be central to Croatia’s future energy policy.