Plenković: The right path for development is a rapid transition to renewable energy sources, we must involve the private sector

International solidarity and cooperation in the current energy crisis was the topic of the second day of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy and Climate Cooperation (PTECC) conference in Zagreb, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. emphasized its importance.

In his opening speech, Plenković stated that the crisis has affected all sectors of the economy, reflecting on the measures the Government adopted in September last year, and mentioned the restrictions imposed by the European Union in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

‒ The entire European Union has demonstrated its ability to cope with this crisis ‒ he said, referring to the embargo on Russian oil that came into effect in early February, as well as ensuring the filling of gas storage for this winter.

He emphasized that the energy crisis is far from over and that Croatia, just like the European Union, must prepare for the next winter, urging the energy sector and investors to turn to renewable energy sources. This is a matter, the Prime Minister claims, of energy security, and he highlighted that Croatia is in a good position to ensure supply for this part of Europe.

Plenković also referred to the LNG terminal and the Adriatic-Ionian pipeline, stating that Croatia has developed infrastructure that will continue to develop thanks to funds from EU sources, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and the NextGenerationEU program.

Partnership with the USA stronger than ever

Emphasizing that the only true path for development is a rapid transition to renewable energy sources, Plenković highlighted the importance of moving away from fossil fuels and the opportunities Croatia has in investing in wind farms, solar energy, and geothermal energy.

‒ If we want to accelerate the transition, we must involve private investors ‒ concluded the Prime Minister.

In addition to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Davor Filipović also spoke, stating that Croatia is on the path to becoming an energy hub for this part of Europe, emphasizing the mission for Croatia to become energy independent.

‒ Croatia is currently more independent and secure than ever, and next year it will be even more secure and independent ‒ concluded Filipović.

Regarding the energy crisis and the joint cooperation of P-TECC, European Commission representative Ditte Juul Jorgensen spoke, emphasizing that the energy shift in the past year has been unprecedented and that the energy sector of the European Union is continuously developing. Just like the representatives of the Croatian Government, Jorgensen reflected on the good gas supply this winter, highlighting that the largest gas supplier for the European Union is currently the USA. She stated that the partnership between the European Union and the USA is currently stronger than ever and that cooperation in the energy sector will continue.

That the USA ‘jumped in’ to help Europe after the onset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was confirmed by US Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm, who said that Russia had terrorized Eastern Europe and that she expected they would ‘freeze to death’, but that Europe has resisted this very well and is now in the midst of making history. She also stated that the USA will provide European partners with the necessary technological assistance in the transition to clean energy, and mentioned cooperation in the Green Cities Alliance.