Croatia solar capacity reaches major milestone in renewable energy
Croatia’s solar capacity has experienced substantial growth, reaching a significant milestone of 1 GW by the end of 2025. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported a notable 46% increase in 2024 and another impressive 48% rise in 2025.
Rapid growth in Croatia solar capacity during 2025
In 2025, Croatia’s solar power capacity expanded dramatically, surpassing 1 GW. IRENA reported that the country installed 342 MW of new solar capacity during the year, marking a 48% increase compared to 2024. This growth is a testament to Croatia’s commitment to enhancing its renewable energy sector, as reflected in reports from PVKnowhow.
The previous year, Croatia added 232 MW, bringing the total capacity to 682 MW by the end of 2024. This surge followed a 46% rise in 2024, which itself was a significant jump from the 51 MW added in 2023. Since 2019, Croatia has added 876 MW of solar capacity, driving the total installed capacity to 1,026 MW by the end of 2025.
This growth in solar power contributed to a 9% increase in the share of renewable energy, while hydroelectric power remained steady. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Croatia’s total electricity consumption in 2024 was 17.126 TWh, with 10.132 TWh coming from renewable sources. This represents a renewable energy share of 59.16% — up from 54.35% in 2023.
Wind energy and Croatia solar capacity drive renewable expansion
The rise in renewable energy was largely driven by wind power, which increased its share from 12.37% in 2023 to 19.53% in 2024. Solar power also saw significant growth, doubling its share from 0.94% to 1.92% over the same period. Hydroelectric power, a long-standing renewable energy source in Croatia, maintained its contribution, accounting for 32.5% of total electricity consumption in 2024.
The expansion of wind and solar power aligns with Croatia’s strategic goals, as outlined in the National Energy and Climate Plan. The plan aims for renewable energy sources to make up 36.4% of gross final energy consumption by 2030, with solar and wind power playing key roles in achieving this target.
Current projections suggest that renewable energy could account for 50% of Croatia’s gross final energy consumption by 2030 — well ahead of the European Union’s target of at least 42.5%. In 2024, renewable energy already accounted for 39.3% of Croatia’s gross final energy consumption, a significant increase from 33.5% in 2023.
Future outlook for Croatia solar capacity and energy challenges
Looking ahead, Croatia plans to continue its momentum in renewable energy development. Between 2025 and 2030, the country aims to add another 1.6 GW of wind power and 1.5 GW of solar power capacity. These additions are expected to further increase the share of renewables in Croatia’s energy mix, potentially reaching 50% of gross final energy consumption by 2030.
The Croatian government has also expressed its commitment to implementing the National Energy and Climate Plan, which outlines measures to support the continued growth of renewable energy. These measures include financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and investments in grid infrastructure to accommodate the increasing share of renewables.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain in reaching the ambitious targets set for 2030. These include ensuring the stability of the electricity grid as more intermittent renewable sources are added, as well as securing the necessary investments to support the planned expansion of wind and solar power. For further insights into these challenges, you can explore detailed analyses such as this report.
The significant growth in solar power capacity, combined with steady contributions from wind and hydroelectric power, has positioned Croatia as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon energy system. With continued focus and investment, Croatia is well on its way to achieving its 2030 renewable energy targets.
