Croatia has signed contracts totaling €125 million in non-refundable grants for two key energy initiatives under its National Recovery and Resilience Plan. These projects focus on the modernization and digital transformation of the national electricity transmission system, and the expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island of Krk.
The larger of the two contracts—worth over €99 million—was signed with the Croatian electricity transmission system operator HOPS. This funding will support the ongoing upgrade of the electricity transmission network, a modernization effort that has been underway for nearly five years. The project aims to improve energy security, accommodate new energy sources, and refurbish segments of the high-voltage grid and transformer stations.
A separate €25 million grant has been awarded for expanding the capacity of the Krk LNG terminal. LNG Hrvatska, the operator of the terminal, noted that the grant covers half of the total investment needed to complete the expansion, which began in 2022 and is expected to finish at the start of the upcoming gas year. The terminal’s new capacity will be available in May, at which point it will be clear how much of it has been contracted. Currently, the terminal is fully booked until 2037, and demand for future capacity already exceeds what will be available.
Once a planned gas interconnection with Bosnia and Herzegovina is finalized, the terminal will also supply gas to that country. LNG Hrvatska expects a stable supply outlook, noting that more than 65% of the LNG processed at the terminal originates from the United States.
Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, emphasized that securing the country’s energy supply is a cornerstone of economic stability. He described the grant agreements as a major milestone in advancing Croatia’s energy transition, enhancing infrastructure, and reinforcing strategic energy independence.