INA Industrija Nafte DD is a Croatian company that has been operating in the energy sector for over 60 years. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia. INA is primarily engaged in the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of oil and gas products. However, in recent years, the company has also expanded its operations into the renewable energy sector, specifically in the development of small hydro projects.

Small hydro projects are a type of renewable energy project that harnesses the power of flowing water to generate electricity. These projects typically involve the construction of small dams or weirs that divert water from a river or stream into a turbine, which then generates electricity. Small hydro projects are considered to be a clean and sustainable source of energy, as they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions and have a relatively low impact on the environment.

INA's foray into the small hydro sector began in 2014, when the company announced plans to develop a number of small hydro projects in Croatia. The company's first project was the 5 MW Vrilo hydroelectric power plant, which was commissioned in 2017. The Vrilo plant is located on the river Cetina, near the town of Trilj in southern Croatia. The plant consists of two turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW, and generates enough electricity to power around 5,000 homes.

Since the commissioning of the Vrilo plant, INA has continued to develop small hydro projects in Croatia. The company is currently working on the construction of the 4.5 MW Brezovica hydroelectric power plant, which is located on the river Sava, near the town of Jasenovac in central Croatia. The plant is expected to be commissioned in 2022 and will generate enough electricity to power around 4,500 homes.

INA's small hydro projects are part of the company's broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The company has set a target to increase its share of renewable energy in its total energy production to 50% by 2030. In addition to small hydro, INA is also investing in other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

One of the key advantages of small hydro projects is that they have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation. Unlike large hydro projects, which can have a significant impact on local ecosystems and communities, small hydro projects are typically designed to minimize their impact on the environment. They also have a relatively small footprint and can be integrated into existing infrastructure, such as irrigation canals or water supply systems.

Another advantage of small hydro projects is that they can provide a reliable source of electricity to remote or off-grid communities. In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, access to electricity is limited or nonexistent. Small hydro projects can provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution to this problem, as they can be built in remote areas and do not require a large-scale grid infrastructure.

INA's small hydro projects have also had a positive impact on the local communities where they are located. The construction of the Vrilo plant, for example, created over 200 jobs during the construction phase and has provided ongoing employment opportunities for local residents. The plant has also contributed to the local economy by providing a reliable source of electricity and reducing the region's dependence on fossil fuels.

In addition to its small hydro projects, INA is also investing in other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. The company has recently completed the construction of a 3 MW solar power plant in Croatia, which is located near the town of Petrijevci in eastern Croatia. The plant consists of over 10,000 solar panels and generates enough electricity to power around 1,000 homes.

INA is also exploring the potential for offshore wind power in the Adriatic Sea. The company has partnered with the Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development to conduct a feasibility study on the development of offshore wind farms in the Adriatic. The study will assess the potential for wind power generation in the region, as well as the technical and economic feasibility of offshore wind projects.

Overall, INA's foray into the renewable energy sector is a positive development for both the company and the environment. By diversifying its energy portfolio and investing in clean and sustainable energy sources, INA is positioning itself for long-term success in a rapidly changing energy landscape. The company's small hydro projects, in particular, demonstrate the potential for renewable energy to provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity, while also creating jobs and supporting local communities.