Croatia is producing fewer energy products, although it has reserves enough for energy self-sufficiency, while new projects are hard to realise
The fourth “Croatia We Need” conference of Večernji List, which opens up initiatives and topics which define the future of Croatia, brought together energy experts and leaders of the largest energy companies in Croatia, to talk about trends in energy and energy safety, Večernji List reported on December 19, 2017.
Croatia is producing fewer energy products, although it has reserves enough for energy self-sufficiency, while new projects are hard to realise, warned President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and pointed out the necessity of faster resolution of projects, urgent renovation of the electric energy network and even more urgent creation of strategic documents necessary to increase strategic stability.
“New facilities are necessary, without them there is no sustainable development. No one wants them in their area, but without them there is no development. Safety always has a price,” stated the President, singling out the LNG terminal on Krk Island as one of the strategic projects which must be accelerated and move beyond planning to realisation. She emphasised its importance is highlighted by the support of the European Union and the “undivided” support of the United States of America and we should also keep in mind the “message we send to investors” when we slow down projects.
The President placed several demands before the government, her expectations in which she specifically cited what she expects of the executive branch. She commended the ongoing preparation of a new energy strategy, but pointed out the need for urgency in its completion in order for Croatia to timely respond to challenges at the doorstep. “I appeal for urgency as Europe is already transferring from carbon to low carbon energy sources, which I see as an opportunity for Croatia. We lack key strategic documents, and the current documents are outdated. Changes to legal packages must be used to ensure safety and a chance for development, avoiding the pressure of interest groups. I expect the state administration to play its role and enable Croatia to be a regional energy leader, but even beyond,” said the President.
She expects continued construction of interconnection pipelines toward and in cooperation with neighbouring countries to secure the safety of natural gas supply, a near future system of measuring the safety of energy supply and for new energy facilities to join the network. The President also mentioned the Three Seas platform as an opportunity to lobby at the European and global level.
Translated from Večernji List.
