Croatia Could Reduce Energy Imports and Become an Exporter

What does the 3rd energy package bring, what does the new tariff system look like a year later, and what phases are investments in, are the main topics of Lider’s 2nd regional conference on the energy future ‘Government Energy Policy – Implementation! How to Get Involved in the Energy Development of Croatia’ which gathered around 150 interested parties from the private and public sectors at the Hypo Center under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy.

 - Last year at the first conference, there was an euphoric atmosphere around investments in energy. In a year, I think we have entered a calmer period, a level that can today show what is realistic to achieve in the medium and long term. Every change has its opportunities and dangers, and I hope that today’s gathering will help eliminate the dilemmas that exist around each proposal and project – said Miodrag Šajatović, the editor-in-chief of Lider, at the beginning of the conference.

Jelena Zrinski Berger, assistant to the Minister of Economy, briefly introduced the attendees to the ministry’s plans and reflected on the activities carried out, potentials, and main goals of energy policy.

– Croatia has incorporated the provisions of the 3rd energy package and created the foundations for further development – emphasized Zrinski Berger, adding that provisions related to renewable sources have also been incorporated, and in the coming weeks, the adoption of new energy laws and the latest directive on energy efficiency is expected.

Last year, they harmonized the prices of electricity and gas for which, along with oil, there is great potential.
– In a few years, Croatia could reduce energy imports and become an exporter – emphasized Zrinski Berger, adding that the Law on the Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons is also in the legislative procedure.

Taking into account supply security, she continued, it is necessary to raise the entire system to a more modern level, and this is possible because there is great potential. They also plan, she says, to bring a better legislative framework on renewable sources and energy efficiency by the end of the year. It is essential to encourage domestic industrial production, small and medium enterprises, and they see potential in the ICT industry, wood industry, as well as others such as shipping, construction, and manufacturing. There is also great potential for sustainable development in the transport sector.

– I believe that Croatia is at a turning point and the Government is working very intensively on establishing a system that will enable better utilization and participation in EU funds – emphasized Zrinski Berger.

An interesting panel discussion on renewable energy sources and new national and regional projects is expected to follow the conference.