Zagreb, 2. prosinca 2025.
The 34th HED Forum successfully held: Balancing security of supply, energy prices, and sustainability in unstable geopolitical circumstances
At the 34th Forum of the Croatian Energy Association – Energy Day, held in the INA Hall in Zagreb on December 2, more than one hundred experts, representatives of state institutions, and leaders of key energy companies gathered. Once again, the Forum confirmed that Croatia is rapidly strengthening its role as an energy hub in the region, while also facing serious challenges related to energy security, transition, and investment.
Before the welcoming addresses, participants commemorated the prematurely deceased honorary member of the Croatian Energy Association (HED), long-time president and member of the Management Board, Dr. Sc. Ivica Toljan—former president of CIGRE and former board member of HEP, HROTE, and CROPEX. On this occasion, gratitude was expressed for his work and contribution to the power sector, and a minute of silence was observed in his honor.
The welcoming addresses were opened by Dr. Sc. Ivan Andročec, President of HED, together with representatives of domestic energy institutions, who emphasized the importance of synergy between the profession, industry, and the regulatory framework. He highlighted that Croatia is currently experiencing the most dynamic period of change in the history of energy. Andročec stressed the importance of a balanced approach that combines investment in clean energy, infrastructure development, and security of supply as the foundation for a sustainable and stable energy system. Zsuzsanna Ortutay, President of the Management Board of INA, welcomed all attendees and noted that the energy sector is facing its greatest challenges to date, and that the future requires joint action by all stakeholders. She pointed out that INA is simultaneously developing traditional and renewable energy sources, as a sustainable transition can only succeed if different segments of the energy sector act in harmony. The participants were then welcomed by Vice Oršulić, President of the Management Board of HEP and President of HRO CIGRE, who emphasized that Croatia is already highly ranked within the European Union across several energy indicators. He noted that HEP is systematically expanding its renewable energy portfolio, while stressing that the stability of the power system must remain a priority during the transition. Anton Marušić, President of CIRED and representative of HEP ODS, warned that in the current uncertain geopolitical environment, the distribution system is increasingly taking on the characteristics of a strategic component of national security. He particularly emphasized the need to strengthen resilience and modernize the grid, as well as to increase the active role of consumers, in order to ensure stable and affordable energy prices. Ivan Petrović, President of the Scientific Council for Oil and Gas Economy and Energy of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), emphasized that the energy industry is not only a technical or market issue, but also a matter of national security. He noted that despite trends toward renewable sources, oil and gas continue to play a fundamental role in Croatia’s system, while at the same time stressing the need for ambition toward cleaner sources, including consideration of small nuclear reactors, in order to ensure long-term sustainability and security of supply. Petrović concluded that Croatia has the potential to become a regional leader in energy, through a combination of stable supply, diversification of sources, and responsible strategic planning. Finally, Željko Krevzelj, Director of the Energy Directorate at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized that the key objectives of Croatian energy policy are security of supply, competitiveness, and sustainability. He pointed to the importance of increasing LNG terminal capacity, developing hydrogen infrastructure, and considering new technologies, including small modular reactors, to ensure Croatia’s stability and strengthen its regional role.
In addition to the President of HED, Ivan Andročec, who presented on the topic “State and Outlook of the EU and the World,” presentations were delivered by Luka Pavleković (INA), Dražen Jakšić (JANAF), Viktor Lučić (Končar), Per Johansson (Siemens Energy), Damir Vrbić (JANAF), Robert Bošnjak (Plinacro), Franjo Balija (LNGH), Mario Klarić (Professio Energia d.d.), Branimir Ivković (ENCRO), Stipe Pandža (Dalekovod Projekt), and Goran Kukmanović (NEK Fund). Before Per Johansson’s presentation, Boris Miljavac, President of Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, addressed the audience, highlighting an investment cycle of EUR 265 million in Croatia. He stressed that without investment in the grid there can be no energy security, and that this is a matter of the country’s strategic development.
At the core of all presentations was a shared message: Croatia has an exceptionally favorable infrastructural, geopolitical, and transitional position, but success depends on the speed of adaptation and coordination among all stakeholders. Although investments in renewable energy have increased significantly, participants warned that production from solar and wind alone will not be sufficient without battery systems, smart grids, and strengthened transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Geopolitical instability further underscores the need to view the energy system as an integral part of national security. Experts emphasized that global climate goals will be difficult to achieve without accelerated decarbonization projects, as well as a technologically neutral approach that includes hydrogen and advanced facilities such as small modular nuclear reactors.
At the roundtable discussion, moderated by HED Secretary General Dražen Balić, participants included Julije Domac (REGEA), Maja Pokrovac (OIEH), Marko Delimar (FER), Ante Mikulić (CROPEX), and Ivo Krezić (KOER). The experts agreed that Croatia must capitalize on its energy potential, develop a connected academic community, and introduce battery systems so that renewable energy sources can become a long-term solution.
The Forum concluded that Croatia has a unique opportunity to become a regional energy leader, but only with a stable investment framework, strategic planning, and continuous cooperation between industry, regulators, and state institutions.
Iva Sundji Babić
You can find the Forum program here.
