To evaluate the possibility of developing an offshore wind project off the coast of Istria, National Grid (previously known as Western Power) has partnered with the Danish company Naver Energy, part of the British Venterra Group. Naver Energy will assess the feasibility of the project, including the economic and industrial benefits it could bring to Croatia. A key part of their approach is to involve local Croatian businesses to ensure the project benefits the local economy and uses local expertise.
In this initiative, Naver Energy is collaborating with Croatian company Anemos Engineering and has the support of the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture. This international and local partnership reflects a shared commitment to tapping into Croatia’s impressive offshore wind potential. According to the Global Wind Energy Council’s data from 2021, the country could develop 17 GW of offshore wind capacity within 200 km of its coastline, including 4 GW of fixed-bottom and 13 GW of floating wind capacity. Moreover, a study by the Association of Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia (OIEH) and funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) found that Croatia’s offshore wind potential could be at least 25 GW.
If projects like this one materialize, Croatia could soon be one of the key players in the European offshore wind market. Historically, Croatia has been known for its shipbuilding capabilities, but the development of offshore wind farms represents a new and exciting opportunity. Newcomers like Croatia can benefit from the advanced European supply chain and technological expertise, which have matured and are highly sought after worldwide.
