RP Global puts online 34.2 MW wind park near Dubrovnik

Privately held power producer and developer RP Global said it has commissioned its wind park in Rudine in Croatia’s south, becoming the largest wind energy investor in the market. The ceremony was attended by representatives of GE and the banking sector (International Finance Corporation, Mirova funds), as well as the local government.

Through wind parks Danilo and Rudine, the Austrian-based renewable energy company has invested a total of EUR 123 million in the country. This makes RP Global the largest investor in Croatia in the segment, with a market share of 20%. Both wind parks are also operated by the company.

The new, 34.2 MW facility is situated close to the village of Slano, at a distance of 50 kilometres from Dubrovnik. It added ten percent to the existing wind power capacity in the country. Construction started in August 2014 and was completed last year, with commercial operation starting in early 2016. IFC and UniCredit jointly provided EUR 42.5 million of the EUR 53 million investment. The twelve 2.85 MW turbines were provided by GE. The project data shows carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by over 24,000 tonnes per year. Danilo’s capacity is 43.7 MW.

Though Rudine was the last project in Croatia’s wind quota, RP Global has plans for further projects in the country, also involving other renewable technologies, like small hydropower and photovoltaic. The lack of legal framework paired with the introduction of the new government mean the investors still wait for clear incentives, the company said.