Croatia needs to rely more on domestic resources and reduce its dependence on imports, and this includes the production of energy from renewable energy sources, according to the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK).
President of HGK’s Renewable Energy Community Ivo Covic said that most EU member states support the initiative to put the European Green Deal at the very heart of the post-pandemic economic recovery, because the world can only make economic, environmental and social progress if we clearly and firmly commit to clean and renewable energy. Croatia needs to strategically make sure that it is developing the resources it already has, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.
Croatian legislation is awaiting significant changes this year in regard to the energy sector. In addition to the European Green Deal, which brings with it major changes and the implementation of new technological and systematic solutions throughout the entire European Union, a law on amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act is expected in Croatia by the end of the year, which will further strengthen efforts to reduce dependence on energy imports.
The Law on electricity market is planned for the end of this year, and the Croatian Government is planning to submit a new law on renewable energy sources and high efficiency cogeneration to the Parliament in September.
HGK’s Energy and Environmental Sector Director Marija Sculac Domac stressed that, with regard to the new energy development strategy, as well as the objectives of the European Green Deal, Croatia has a great challenge ahead of it to achieve the set goals by the end of 2030, so the adoption of regulations and laws is of enormous importance. Now is an opportunity to prepare the local economy, but also citizens, to be involved as much as possible in the preparation and construction of new projects, she concluded, adding that by increasing the use of renewable energy sources, not only will Croatia contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment, but it will also help the local economy and job creation within the sector.
