Božidar Đurković (E.ON Croatia): The Year 2022 Was the Year of Solar

This year, E.ON Croatia continues the trend of positive results, and Božidar Đurković, the company’s finance director, emphasizes that the segment related to solutions that implement and accelerate the green energy transition in the Croatian and Slovenian markets is growing the fastest. Not only has the demand for energy solutions in renewable sources increased, but they have also noticed a shift in customer thinking, as well as in the overall market.

What are the main trends in your key markets?

– We are noticing a strong increase in renewable energy projects in the Croatian market. Many customers want to invest in renewable energy projects, primarily driven by goals to reduce CO₂ emissions and costs. Last year was the year of solar, looking at EU-level statistics, where installed solar capacities exceeded 41 GW just last year, representing a 47 percent increase compared to 2021. Germany leads the way, where our E.ON group is headquartered, operating in 17 markets, employing over 71,000 experts, and providing innovative energy solutions to more than 48 million customers. The year 2022 was also crucial for our market, where we installed nearly 50 MWp of solar capacity for business and private customers, helping them achieve their energy goals.

What are the biggest challenges for your company?

– It is an understatement to say that 2022 was a year full of challenges for the entire energy market, but this crisis has also prompted some positive changes in the market. Thanks to our strategy, which is based on sustainability, growth, and digitalization, we recognized the potential of renewable energy sources long before the crisis spurred the growth and development of such projects. Thus, we welcomed the crisis prepared, with our solutions, knowledge, and experience, which our customers recognized and trusted us to become their energy partner. However, the crisis did not stimulate some other processes necessary to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy projects. Like the entire market, we are also facing bureaucratic obstacles and the need to increase the capacity of the energy grid. We must establish a dialogue with all key stakeholders and determine the direction of development for the energy sector and market in Croatia, focusing on creating a positive and attractive investment ecosystem to be competitive in attracting larger investments. Croatia has enormous potential, and it is up to all of us to utilize it.

What are the development and investment plans?

– Investment and development plans are primarily focused on solutions for energy efficiency and decarbonization, mainly through cogeneration plants and solar power plants, digitalization, and distribution security by continuing investments in the gas network. Total investment in 2022 in the Croatian and Slovenian markets amounted to 30 million euros, and we plan to maintain this trend with investments of 50 million euros over the next two years. E.ON, as a group at the European level, plans to expand its investment plan to 33 billion euros by 2027, with more than 95 percent of these investments meeting the strict criteria of the EU taxonomy for green projects.

What new/innovative products and services have you launched in the market since the beginning of 2022?

– The primary solutions in our renewable energy portfolio are solar power plants and cogeneration systems, where we recently signed our first major contract in Croatia for a biomass project. We also offer customers so-called PPA contracts (power purchase agreements), providing business customers with financing models for energy infrastructure solutions, thus offering a complete service from design to financing, supervision, installation, and commissioning. We are positioned as a company that is a one-stop-shop for energy solutions that customers can meet all their energy needs. In addition to these solutions, belonging to a strong European group gives us access to a range of energy solutions such as low-temperature energy systems, cooling and heating, heat pumps, smart home and energy management solutions, as well as e-mobility solutions for business customers.

Is your company involved in NPOO or other European programs?

– E.ON, as a service provider in the segment of energy infrastructure solutions, enables customers to apply for funds, primarily those related to the green transition and in accordance with the strict criteria of the EU taxonomy. We offer customers solutions that meet the funding criteria from the funds, thus indirectly participating in the mentioned financial instruments.

Content created in collaboration with E.ON Croatia.