Croatian oil pipeline operator Jadranski Naftovod (JANAF) has taken a decisive step in its green energy transition by acquiring its first major solar project. Through its subsidiary JANAF OIE, the company has purchased 100% of the shares in Solar Energy Vođinci, securing a developing power plant located near Vinkovci.
Janaf Secures Solar Energy Vođinci: A Green Milestone
The Vođinci project features a designed installed capacity of 14.2857 MW and a grid connection capacity of 9.99 MW. With building permits secured, construction is already underway, and the plant is scheduled to become operational by March 1, 2025. This acquisition marks a significant practical outcome of the company’s Transition and Development Strategy for 2022-2030, which aims to transform JANAF into a key player in Croatia’s renewable energy sector.
Stjepan Adanić, President of the JANAF Management Board, described the move as the “first significant milestone” in this new strategic direction. “We will continue to grow the business segment of renewable energy sources while keeping energy security in Central Europe and surrounding countries in mind,” Adanić stated, emphasizing the goal for JANAF to “become a recognised player in Croatia’s energy market.”
Building a Renewable Portfolio After Janaf Secures Solar Energy Vođinci
The company’s strong financial performance has enabled this strategic investment into renewables. Vladislav Veselica, a member of the Management Board, confirmed that this is just the beginning. “While I am delighted that the first acquisition of a project in the field of renewable energy sources has been completed, I would like to underline that this is only the first such investment,” he noted, adding, “We are currently considering some other greenfield and mature projects of this type.”
This ground-mounted solar power project builds upon JANAF’s previous experience with integrated solar installations at its terminals in Sisak, Žitnjak, and Omišalj. The company is also actively preparing additional non-integrated solar power plants in Slavonski Brod, Omišalj, and Žitnjak.
Tapping into Croatia’s Untapped Solar Potential After Janaf Secures Solar Energy Vođinci
The investment comes at a time when Croatia’s vast solar potential remains largely untapped. The country benefits from high levels of solar insolation, receiving between 2,000 to 2,700 hours of sunshine annually. Despite this natural advantage, installed solar capacity stood at a modest 462.5 MW as of January 2024. Analysts suggest that with streamlined permitting, Croatia could install up to 7 GW of solar power by 2030.
Expanding the domestic solar supply chain represents a significant economic opportunity. Currently, Croatia is home to a single solar panel factory, Solvis, which produces around one million modules per year. However, most other components are imported. Investing further in local solar manufacturing could enhance energy independence, create jobs, and align Croatia with Europe’s broader renewable energy ambitions.
Sources
- [PDF] ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024 – Janaf
- Croatian oil pipeline operator JANAF acquires second solar power …
- JANAF purchases first solar power project – CEENERGYNEWS
- Janaf entre dans l’énergie solaire à un moment où elle devient …
- Sans titre
- SOLAR ENERGY VOĐINCI d.o.o. – prihod, dobit, blokada, rejting
- Stable business results ensure long-term growth and development
- Construction works on JANAF solar power plant in Vođinci going …
- Jadranski Naftovod Begins First Solar Power Plant Project
