Croatia Nuclear Energy: Plans to Build Small Modular Reactors

Croatia has established a working group to draft a nuclear energy law.  The new legislation will serve as a basis for establishing a Nuclear Energy Agency that will oversee regulatory aspects of SMR development.  While specific locations for the SMRs have yet to be determined, Croatia plans to build the first units within the next decade. 

Croatia faces growing concerns over energy stability as key power plants like the coal fired plant Plomin the nuclear plant Krško are set to go offline in 2033 and 2043 respectively.  At the same time, Croatia’s electricity demand is projected to double, reaching 20 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2035 and 36 TWh by 2050.  SMRs are perceived as a strategic solution to meet these energy needs.  With its 50 percent stake in the joint Croatian Slovenian nuclear power plant in Krško, Croatia has significant experience in nuclear technology.  The Croatian government remains open to developing a second nuclear power plant with Slovenia on the same location.

The new shift towards nuclear as the potential source of energy presents numerous opportunities for U.S. companies specializing in nuclear energy technologies, regulatory consulting, and SMR design and construction.  For further details and assistance, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service office in Croatia at: office.zagreb@trade.gov.