Croatia Launches 56 MW Solar and 200 MWh Storage Tender Backed by EBRD

Hrvatska Elektroprivreda (HEP), the state-owned utility of Croatia, has officially launched a tender for a solar-plus-storage project, marking a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy expansion.

The project, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), includes the development of a 56 MW DC (45 MW AC) solar power plant combined with a battery energy storage system (BESS) of up to 200 MWh—one of the most advanced hybrid renewable projects in the region.

Located in Sukošan, Zadar County, the project will span approximately 54.8 hectares and include the construction of a new substation and associated grid infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration into Croatia’s power network.

The tender will be conducted through a two-stage international procurement process, with prequalification submissions due by May 12, 2026, and the project expected to reach ready-to-build (RTB) status by Q4 2026.

According to available information, the project forms part of a broader renewable energy investment programme supported by the EBRD, which is expected to provide financing assistance through a structured loan facility to support HEP’s clean energy pipeline.

The integration of large-scale battery storage is a defining feature of the project, enabling energy shifting, improved dispatchability, and enhanced grid balancing. This aligns with a broader European trend toward hybrid solar-plus-storage systems, which are increasingly essential for managing variability and ensuring system reliability as renewable penetration rises.

Croatia has been accelerating its transition toward clean energy in line with European Union climate targets. Projects such as this not only expand renewable capacity but also strengthen energy security, grid resilience, and long-term sustainability.

With strong institutional backing and growing regional demand for renewable investments, the tender is expected to attract significant interest from both local and international developers.