Croatia's current electricity consumption is notably characterized by a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the country's electricity supply comes from these clean sources, led by hydropower which generates close to 27% of electricity, and wind power contributing roughly 17%. Fossil fuels, although still a part of the energy mix, account for less than 17%, with gas and coal contributing primarily to this category. Additionally, biofuels and solar energy each provide just under 4% and 3% respectively. The nation also depends on net imports for nearly a third of its electricity supply, underscoring an opportunity for increased domestic production. This architecture demonstrates Croatia's commitment to low-carbon energy but still reveals a gap filled by fossil and imported electricity.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Croatia?
Despite the robust structure of low-carbon generation, Croatia's electricity consumption is experiencing a decline. As of 2025, the per capita consumption stands at approximately 4782 kWh, which is a noticeable reduction of 388 kWh compared to the record consumption in 2024. This downturn is even more pronounced for low-carbon electricity, dropping by 629 kWh per person since its peak in 2023. Such a decrease is concerning in a time when global trends suggest the need for an increase in electricity consumption as part of a transition to more digital and electrified lifestyles. Achieving higher levels of electricity generation, especially from clean sources, is crucial to meet future demands and reduce the environmental impact of energy consumption.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Croatia can look to expand its wind energy capacity, a field where it already shows promising contributions. Furthermore, insights can be drawn from regions that excel in solar and nuclear electricity generation. For solar power, Nevada impresses with a production of 33%, suggesting that Croatia could significantly benefit from enhancing its solar capabilities. Nuclear power also presents a viable solution; with France achieving up to 70% of its electricity from nuclear sources, Croatia could explore nuclear investments to ensure a steady and low-carbon electricity supply. By following these examples, Croatia can reduce its dependency on imports and fossil fuels, driving a sustainable electricity future.
History
Historically, hydropower has been a substantial component of Croatia's low-carbon electricity portfolio, experiencing fluctuations over the decades. Notable increases were seen in the years 1991, 1996, and 2013, with substantial contributions of 1.6 TWh, 2.2 TWh, and 3.7 TWh respectively. However, these positive strides were often counterbalanced by downturns, such as the sharp decrease of 4.1 TWh in 2011. The recent trend leading up to 2025 includes modest fluctuations, with slight increases followed by declines like the drop of 1.8 TWh in 2025, reflecting variability in hydropower generation. These patterns indicate the potential for diversifying Croatia's clean energy sources and reducing the vulnerability of relying heavily on a single energy type.
