In the period between November 2024 and October 2025, Croatia's electricity consumption reveals a significant reliance on low-carbon sources. These clean energy sources account for a sizable 66.3% of the total electricity consumption in the country. Within this category, hydropower is the largest contributor, providing roughly a third of the electricity. Wind energy follows, contributing almost a fifth. Solar and biofuels also play roles, producing a combined total of over one-eighth of the nation's electricity. On the other hand, fossil energy, which often bears negative impacts such as pollution and contributes to climate change, makes up 18.56%—a portion that deserves attention for potential reduction. Meanwhile, net imports account for a bit more than one-seventh of the electricity, serving as a pivotal point for strategic energy planning in the future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Croatia?
Recent numbers, however, suggest a downturn in Croatia's electricity consumption, specifically when examining the individual consumption metrics. In 2025, the total electricity consumption is recorded at 4274 kWh per person, which is noticeably lower than the previous peak year of 2023 when it stood at 4936 kWh per person. This drop suggests a curbing trend, a cause for worry as it shows a decline of 662 kWh per person. Additionally, the share of low-carbon electricity did not fare better; it registered at 2834 kWh per person, down by 286 kWh from its 2023 high mark of 3120 kWh per person. This downward trajectory in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption poses challenges, particularly in ensuring sustainable growth and meeting future needs which will be driven by increasing electrification and emerging technologies like AI.
Suggestions
To counteract these declines and boost low-carbon electricity generation, Croatia can focus on several key areas. The expansion of wind energy is poised to be an effective measure given its current significant contribution. Furthermore, Croatia can look to successful regions for inspiration, particularly in solar and nuclear power development. Denmark, with almost half of its electricity generated from wind, exemplifies the potential gain from focused wind energy investments. Similarly, solar energy offers untapped potential, as seen in regions like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar accounts for about a third of their electricity. On the nuclear front, Slovakia and France demonstrate thriving models with majorities of their electricity coming from nuclear sources. These examples highlight tangible pathways Croatia could follow to bolster clean electricity generation in alignment with global sustainability goals.
History
Historically, Croatia's journey with low-carbon electricity, particularly through hydropower, has been marked by significant fluctuations. In the 1990s, notable increases were recorded, especially in 1991 and 1996, when substantial annual growth was registered. However, this trend saw considerable dips in some years, such as 1997 and 2002. The early 2000s experienced a couple of important positive peaks and declines until the middle of the decade. A particularly notable downturn occurred in 2011, but this was subsequently countered by the large recovery in 2013. Moving towards the 2020s, the pattern of increases and decreases persisted, with 2023 marking a significant positive shift despite later declines in 2024 and 2025. Emphasizing consistent and strategic development in other low-carbon sources, such as solar and nuclear, could prevent such variability in the future and enhance Croatia’s path towards a more reliable and sustainable low-carbon electricity supply.
