Hrvatska Elektroprivreda (HEP) is a Croatian state-owned company that specializes in the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Founded in 1949, HEP has been a leading player in the Croatian energy market for over seven decades, providing reliable and affordable energy to households, businesses, and industries across the country.

In recent years, HEP has been actively involved in the development of renewable energy projects, particularly in the areas of biomass and waste, conventional power, small hydro, and wind. These projects are part of HEP's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable development in Croatia.

Biomass and Waste

HEP has been actively investing in biomass and waste-to-energy projects since the early 2000s. The company currently operates several biomass and waste-to-energy plants across Croatia, including the Sisak and Osijek cogeneration plants, which generate electricity and heat from biomass and waste.

The Sisak plant, located in central Croatia, has a capacity of 50 MW and produces electricity and heat from wood chips, sawdust, and other biomass materials. The plant also has a waste-to-energy unit that generates electricity from municipal solid waste.

The Osijek plant, located in eastern Croatia, has a capacity of 23 MW and uses wood chips and sawdust as its primary fuel source. The plant also has a waste-to-energy unit that produces electricity from municipal solid waste.

HEP's biomass and waste-to-energy projects have helped to reduce Croatia's dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources. These projects have also helped to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in local communities.

Conventional Power

HEP also operates several conventional power plants across Croatia, including the Plomin coal-fired power plant and the Krško nuclear power plant.

The Plomin plant, located on the Istrian peninsula, has a capacity of 210 MW and uses coal as its primary fuel source. The plant has been in operation since the 1960s and has undergone several upgrades to improve its efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

The Krško plant, located on the border between Croatia and Slovenia, has a capacity of 696 MW and is jointly owned by Croatia and Slovenia. The plant uses nuclear energy to generate electricity and has been in operation since the 1980s.

While conventional power plants like Plomin and Krško are not renewable energy sources, they still play an important role in meeting Croatia's energy needs. These plants provide a reliable source of electricity that can be used to supplement renewable energy sources when they are not available.

Small Hydro

HEP has been investing in small hydro projects since the 1970s, and currently operates over 60 small hydro power plants across Croatia. These plants have a combined capacity of over 300 MW and generate electricity from the natural flow of rivers and streams.

Small hydro power plants are a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable energy, particularly in rural areas where grid connections may be limited or non-existent. These plants also have a relatively low environmental impact, as they do not require large dams or reservoirs.

HEP's small hydro projects have helped to promote sustainable development in rural areas of Croatia, providing clean energy and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

Wind

HEP has been investing in wind energy projects since the early 2000s, and currently operates several wind farms across Croatia. These farms have a combined capacity of over 200 MW and generate electricity from the natural power of the wind.

Wind energy is a rapidly growing source of renewable energy worldwide, and Croatia has significant potential for wind energy development. HEP's wind projects have helped to tap into this potential, providing clean energy and reducing Croatia's dependence on fossil fuels.

HEP's wind projects have also helped to stimulate economic growth in local communities, creating new jobs and attracting investment to the region.

Conclusion

HEP is a leading player in the Croatian energy market, providing reliable and affordable energy to households, businesses, and industries across the country. The company's investment in renewable energy projects, particularly in the areas of biomass and waste, conventional power, small hydro, and wind, is part of its broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable development in Croatia.

HEP's renewable energy projects have helped to reduce Croatia's dependence on fossil fuels, promote the use of clean energy sources, and create new jobs and economic opportunities in local communities. These projects are a testament to HEP's commitment to sustainability and its role as a responsible corporate citizen in Croatia.