As Croatia and Europe move closer to climate-neutrality goals, the energy sector is undergoing one of its most dynamic periods to date.

During 2025, there was a strong rise in investments in renewable energy sources, battery storage development and grid modernization. At the same time, companies are increasingly turning to solutions that reduce consumption, improve control, and strengthen energy independence.

Below are the key trends that will shape 2026 – from solar and geothermal energy to battery storage growth, legislative changes and the digitalization of energy management.

Solar Energy – Continuous Growth

By the end of 2024, Croatia reached about 3.8 GW of installed renewable capacity (including 872 MW of solar and 990 MW of wind).

By August 2025, solar installations increased to 1.1 GW, driven mostly by commercial, industrial, and tourism facilities that are increasingly investing in their own solar systems to reduce costs and gain independence from market energy prices.

In 2026, installed photovoltaic capacity is expected to exceed 1.3-1.6 GW, with continued expansion of behind-the-meter systems, self-consumption projects, and further integration of energy-storage solutions.

➡️ For the business sector: shorter payback periods and an opportunity to combine solar production with AMR systems for real-time consumption monitoring.

Battery Systems & the Flexibility Market

In October 2025, the Croatian government approved €19.8 million from the Modernisation Fund for the BESS Šibenik project (60 MW / 120 MWh) – the first large-scale energy-storage facility enabling better grid balancing and renewable integration.

The system is expected to become operational in 2026, opening a new flexibility market, where companies will be able to adjust consumption based on energy prices and market conditions.

➡️ For the business sector: the ability to reduce peak loads and optimize consumption by combining PV systems, battery storage, and automated load management.

Geothermal Projects and District Heating Networks

Exploration and pilot drilling in Velika Gorica, Osijek and Vinkovci revealed significant geothermal potential.

ENNA announced an €11 million investment in a geothermal power plant in Babina Greda, while the NPOO supports geothermal heating projects for cities and industrial zones.

In 2026, the construction of the first commercial geothermal power plants and district heating networks is expected to begin, providing more stable and cleaner heat sources for urban and industrial systems and reducing dependence on gas.

➡️ For the business sector: increased opportunity to connect to low-carbon heat sources and sign long-term heat-energy power purchase agreements (PPA).

Gas and Security of Supply

The project to expand the FSRU LNG Croatia capacity was completed in May 2025, raising the terminal’s capacity to 6.1 billion m³ per year – twice as much as in 2021. This significantly strengthened Croatia’s energy resilience and reduced supply-disruption risks.

In 2026, Croatia continues to play a key role in regional gas supply, though EU regulations are gradually reducing the role of gas in industry and heating, pushing the transition to renewables and electrified processes.

➡️ For the business sector: short-term supply stability but long-term need to shift toward alternative energy sources and electrification.

The Grid of the Future and Digitalization

Transmission system operator HOPS secured €100 million from the NPOO to upgrade the grid and integrate more renewable energy sources.

Meanwhile, CROPEX introduced 15-minute products and the CRODAX index, increasing the flexibility of electricity trading.

During 2026, further digitalization and the development of microgrids are expected, along with faster connection of new producers and more opportunities for dynamic energy-procurement contracts.

➡️ For the business sector: more precise real-time consumption control, better cost planning and easier integration of self-generation.

New Reporting Requirements and Legislative Changes

The year 2025 brought important changes to EU and Croatian legislation that reshape how energy consumption is monitored and reported.

The revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED II) and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) expand obligations for reporting and conducting energy audits – by 2026, a much larger number of companies will fall under these requirements. The goal is more detailed tracking of actual energy use and building efficiency, especially in the public and business sectors.

At the same time, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Regulation (CSRD) extended mandatory ESG reporting to medium-sized companies.

In Croatia, 2025 brought upgraded rulebooks and an improved ISGE system, aligned with new EU reporting requirements (EED II, CSRD) and expanded to a wider group of public and business entities.

➡️ For the business sector: data is no longer just a cost-control tool — it is a legal obligation and proof of regulatory compliance. AMR systems and consumption analytics simplify reporting for ISO 50001, EED, and CSRD and improve ESG ratings and access to public tenders.

How to Navigate the Energy Landscape of 2026

The energy environment in 2026 continues to move toward efficiency, digitalization and transparency.

For Croatian companies, success no longer depends only on the price of energy but on how it is managed, measured and reported – because what was considered good practice yesterday is becoming a regulatory requirement and business standard today.

1. Think “data-first” – Automatic meter reading and real-time monitoring systems are becoming the foundation of every energy strategy and accurate reporting.

2. Combine self-production, storage, and smart management – Best results come from integrating solar energy, battery storage and automated consumption control.

3. Use market flexibility – Fifteen-minute products and demand-response programs allow reduction of peak loads and generation of additional revenue.

4. Prepare for stricter reporting requirements – EED II, EPBD, and CSRD bring more transparency and responsibility regarding energy use and emissions.

5. Secure green partners and financing – EU funds and national programs continue supporting efficiency projects with measurable results.

6. Build resilience, not dependence – While the Krk FSRU improves supply security, long-term strategy requires electrification and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Take Control of Your Energy Consumption

If you want to optimize your energy use in 2026, Emasys can help! We specialize in working with companies and organizations to jointly define the best measurement strategy so that you can:

• reduce energy consumption and costs
• identify opportunities for greater efficiency
• gather accurate data needed for energy and ESG reporting