Croatia grants EUR 30 million to firms for renewables, energy efficiency

The Croatian government has approved EUR 30 million in grants to businesses for investments in renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (EPEEF or FZOEU) have awarded 46 grant contracts to companies for projects focused on generating electricity from renewables and energy efficiency in the processing industry.

The proposals were selected via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund under the public calls ‘Production of electricity from renewable energy sources in the processing and heating industry’ and ‘Investment in energy efficiency measures and high-efficiency cogeneration in the processing industry’.

The ministry has received 141 applications

A total of 141 project proposals were submitted within the first call, with 103 involving photovoltaic plants and one for a biomass power facility. The second public call attracted 37 projects.

According to Luka Balen, manager of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, the contracts should serve as business drivers for entrepreneurs promoting renewable energy production and supporting the green transition.

Energy self-sufficiency and renewable energy production are key priorities of the Government of Croatia, he argued.

Projects with a total value of almost EUR 90 million have received grants

Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković revealed that EUR 30 million was allocated to the projects, with a total value exceeding EUR 87 million.

In her words, they are intended for the production of electricity from renewable sources and measures for energy efficiency and highly efficient cogeneration in the processing industry. Vučković pointed out the projects would result in significant electricity savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The companies will benefit from cost savings, opportunities to adopt new technologies, and a quick rise in income, the minister added.

Of note, the Modernisation Fund is an EU program financially supporting upgrades in energy systems and the improvement of energy efficiency in 13 lower-income member states.

Established in 2018 for the 2021-2030 period, it aims to help the beneficiary countries achieve their climate targets and the objectives of the European Green Deal. It is financed by revenues from the auctioning of emission allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).