Croatia signals nuclear expansion with focus on Krško plant

(Photo credit: MORS/CC BY 3.0)

DUBROVNIK, 30 April 2026 (Hina) – Croatia is stepping up its commitment to nuclear energy, signalling plans to expand capacity and significantly increase its role in the national energy mix, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has said.

Speaking on Wednesday, Plenković confirmed that Croatia is open to expanding nuclear capabilities, including developments linked to the jointly owned Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

He added that countries which previously moved away from nuclear energy are increasingly acknowledging that decision as a mistake.

The announcement follows the signing of a joint declaration between Croatia and the United States during the Three Seas Initiative summit held in Dubrovnik.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy.

Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar stated that Croatia intends to increase the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix from the current 16% to at least 30% by 2030.

The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions.

Representatives from US-based Westinghouse, the company involved in the construction of the Krško plant, also attended the accompanying business forum. Plenković noted that discussions with the company had opened new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the development of advanced nuclear technologies.

He emphasised that public perception of nuclear energy has shifted, with growing consensus around its benefits as a low-carbon energy source. According to the Prime Minister, there is now less hesitation towards nuclear power, reflecting changing attitudes across Europe.

Plenković also pointed to countries such as Germany and Belgium, which scaled back nuclear programmes following the Fukushima disaster, suggesting they now quietly recognise the drawbacks of those decisions, particularly in terms of energy costs and stability.

The Krško Nuclear Power Plant, located 36 kilometres from Zagreb and jointly owned by Croatia and Slovenia, currently supplies around 16% of Croatia’s electricity.

While its operational lifespan is officially set until 2043, experts indicate it could be safely extended to 2063 with proper maintenance.

Croatia has already expressed readiness to Slovenia to explore options for expanding the plant’s capacity, further underlining its long-term nuclear ambitions.

The issue of nuclear energy was also highlighted by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda at the same forum. Lithuania shut down its Ignalina nuclear plant in 2009 as part of its EU accession agreement.

A later referendum rejected plans for a new facility, leaving the country facing ongoing electricity shortages despite significant investment in renewable energy.

While renewables now cover around 70% of Lithuania’s needs, concerns remain over supply stability, an issue Croatia appears keen to address through a more balanced energy mix that includes nuclear power.

Croatia’s renewed focus on nuclear energy reflects a broader global reassessment of energy strategies, particularly as countries seek reliable, low-emission solutions amid growing demand and energy security concerns.