Study maps 22 priority locations for BESS in Croatia

Without a parallel development of the grid and batteries, Croatia won’t be able to integrate further growth of renewable energy sources, according to the first national study on battery energy storage systems.

The study on identifying grid congestion locations and the need for battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Croatia was initiated by the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia association (RES Croatia or, in Croatian, OIEH).

For the first time, the analysis reveals constraints in the transmission network, and defines optimal locations and required capacities for BESS, OIEH said.

The study identifies 22 priority locations, for a total capacity of up to 1,700 MW. The study noted that the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) has set a target of 350 MW. Currently, Croatia has 11 MW of battery capacity.

Holjevac: Batteries cannot replace grid development

In NECP’s scenario of full integration of renewable energy sources, the need grows to more than 1,600 MW, with the highest concentration in Dalmatia and the Rijeka area.

The study was presented at the Solar Flex Croatia 2026 conference by Ninoslav Holjevac from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) and Dražen Balić from the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP).

“We have identified key grid congestions and defined where batteries are most needed. With battery storage, we can buy time, but they cannot replace grid development,” Holjevac warned.

Balić: Batteries change price profiles by up to 25%

Market analysis shows that BESS doesn’t significantly affect the average price of electricity but substantially changes its dynamics.

Batteries change price profiles by up to 25%, reduce production constraints, and increase system efficiency, Balić pointed out.

OIEH organized the conference with SolarPower Europe.

“The situation we have today clearly demonstrates how much the energy sector is changing and how sensitive fossil fuels are to external disruptions,” OIEH director Maja Pokrovac stressed.