RP Global develops 500 MW of wind, solar in Croatia

The Austria-based power producer and developer RP Global intends to start the construction of wind farms and solar parks with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) in Croatia over the next five years, announced Bojan Reščec, director of RP Global for Croatia.

Bojan Reščec told Balkan Green Energy News that despite administrative obstacles, RP Global would soon start building new green energy power plants in Croatia, where the company this year marks 20 years of operation. For six years, the company has been waiting for the approvals to proceed with the second phase of the Danilo wind farm near Šibenik and Rudine wind farm near Dubrovnik.

The 47 MW wind project Danilo II was modified due to technology improvement. Afterward, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development decided that a new environmental impact assessment must be conducted.

Therefore, the company expects permits and the beginning of construction only by the end of next year, while the kick-off for the 35 MW Rudine II project is expected before the end of 2022.

Plan is to build five solar power plants with a capacity of 115 MW

Reščec said that the company had intensified the development of the solar power projects three years ago and that the construction of Novalja photovoltaic power plants is expected by the end of the year. For five more solar power projects, RP Global has submitted a request for energy approval, which adds 100 MW in various stages of development.

The team is eager to build, so we are doing everything to make it happen as soon as possible, said Reščec.

RP Global was surprised by the recent announcement of the auctions for premiums because the energy approvals have not been yet granted. The energy approval is a precondition for a company to participate in auctions, as well as a location permit. Reščec recalled that after adopting the new Law on the Electricity Market, the ministry invited all investors developing projects to apply by January 19 to receive energy approval, but those approvals have not been granted.

The construction of a 200 MW power plant is expected in the next two years

Reščec said that another obstacle to the development of green projects is the enormous number of requests for connection to the grid, which paralyzed the Croatian Transmission System Operator (HOPS).

If the authorities give a green light, RP Global could start the implementation of about 200 MW of wind and solar projects in the next two years and an additional 300 MW in five years, Reščec confirmed for the Balkan Green Energy News.

With a stable legal framework for renewable energy sources in place, RP Global would, in his words, given its knowledge and experience, find the necessary funds to complete these investments.