Croatia’s HEP Group Launches Trial of Largest Korlat solar power plant
Croatia has taken a monumental step forward in its renewable energy journey. The state-owned utility, Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP Group), has officially launched the trial operations of the Korlat Solar Power Plant, the nation’s largest solar project to date. Located near the historic town of Knin in the sun-drenched Dalmatia region, this landmark facility signals a powerful commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.
A New Era of Solar Power with the Korlat solar power plant for Croatia
The Korlat Solar Power Plant is a project of impressive scale. With a capacity of 120 MWp (megawatt-peak), it represents a significant boost to Croatia’s renewable energy portfolio. The plant, which began its trial phase in March 2026, is expected to reach full commercial operation by the middle of the year after completing all necessary testing.
Spanning 170 hectares, the facility utilizes over 200,000 high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic panels mounted on single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s path to maximize energy generation. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to produce approximately 170 GWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power around 40,000 households and offset an estimated 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The ambitious project, representing an investment of €120 million fully funded by HEP, was constructed by a consortium involving PowerChina and local Croatian partners.
Strategic Importance of Korlat solar power plant for National and EU Goals
The launch of the Korlat plant is more than just an infrastructure milestone; it’s a strategic move that aligns with both national and European Union objectives. For HEP, which has historically relied heavily on hydropower, this project marks its first utility-scale solar farm and a crucial diversification of its energy mix.
The project is a cornerstone of Croatia’s strategy to meet its renewable energy targets, which aim for a 36.6% share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030 under the EU Green Deal. The Dalmatian coast, with over 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, provides the perfect backdrop for such an initiative, bolstering Croatia’s energy independence and resilience.
Furthermore, the project includes pilot programs for battery storage, a critical component for ensuring grid stability as the share of intermittent renewable sources like solar grows.
Overcoming Challenges in Developing the Korlat solar power plant with Innovation
The development of the Korlat plant was not without its hurdles. The project faced initial permitting delays due to its location within a protected karst landscape. However, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, HEP addressed these concerns by using elevated panel mounts. This innovative solution minimizes the plant’s footprint and helps preserve the unique local biodiversity.
Looking Ahead for the Korlat solar power plant
As the Korlat Solar Power Plant moves from trial runs to full-scale operation, it sets a new benchmark for renewable energy in Southeast Europe. This project positions HEP Group as a regional leader in the green transition and serves as a powerful example of how state-owned utilities can drive the shift towards a sustainable energy future. For the latest information on the project’s progress, stakeholders and interested parties can refer to official announcements from HEP and reports from the Croatian Energy Market Operator (OIE).
