Nuclear renaissance in the Balkans: Croatia joins the fold

Croatia is taking decisive steps toward embracing nuclear power as a cornerstone of its future energy strategy. The government presented on 18 February the Draft Law on the Development of nuclear energy for Civil purposes to parliament, marking the first systematic legal framework for civil nuclear energy in the country.

This legislation, submitted following public consultations that concluded in January, does not authorize immediate construction but establishes the regulatory, scientific, and technical groundwork for potential future projects. Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar highlighted the urgency of this move, noting that rising electricity consumption, increasingly stringent climate targets, and the need for reliable, low-carbon energy make nuclear power an essential option. Nuclear energy offers a stable, economical, and low-emission baseload source to address these demands effectively.

Overall, EU policy positions nuclear as a reliable, low-carbon option alongside renewables – essential for grid resilience amid rising demand from electrification and AI, while prioritizing safety, non-proliferation, and diversified supply chains free from Russian influence.

Croatia’s ambitious nuclear targets and current reliance

The draft law sets a clear strategic goal: nuclear sources should cover at least 30 percent of Croatia’s total annual electricity needs by 2040. This ambition responds to projections of electricity demand potentially doubling by 2050, coupled with the phase-out of coal-fired plants, which necessitates new reliable capacity. Currently, Croatia derives about 16 percent of its electricity from the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK), a 730 MW pressurized water reactor co-owned with neighboring Slovenia since 1983.

The plant produces roughly 5,700 GWh annually but is slated to cease operations in 2043 unless its license is extended. The legislation emphasizes continued collaboration with Slovenia to explore extending Krško’s lifespan while pursuing additional capacities, including small modular reactors (SMRs) or larger units. Specific sites for any new facilities will be designated through separate laws, allowing flexibility in technology choices. Within six months of the law’s adoption, the energy minister must develop a program to prepare a comprehensive Plan for the Development of Nuclear Energy for Civil Purposes, which the government aims to adopt within the following 12 months.

Šušnjar described this as a responsible approach to planning, reinforcing Croatia’s commitment to energy security, climate responsibility, and technological advancement. He portrayed nuclear power as a reliable, sustainable foundation for a resilient electricity system in the coming decades.

A regional nuclear renaissance across the Balkans

Croatia’s initiative aligns with a broader nuclear energy boom in the Balkans, where countries increasingly view nuclear power as vital for replacing fossil fuels, stabilizing grids, and enhancing energy independence amid decarbonization efforts.

The region already generates substantial baseload electricity from nuclear sources, with Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia contributing over 40 TWh annually.

Bulgaria’s Kozloduy plant supplies around 40 percent of national electricity, bolstered by U.S. cooperation agreements for new capacity. Romania advances SMR plans at Doicești for early 2030s operation alongside its Cernavodă facility. Slovenia and Croatia jointly manage Krško, and Slovenia plans to adopt a national spatial plan for a second unit in the second half of 2028, potentially expanding output significantly.

Serbia lifted its 35-year moratorium on nuclear construction in November 2024, driven by heavy coal reliance (over 62 percent of production) and rising demand. A dedicated commission now guides development, with active negotiations involving Russia’s Rosatom for the country’s first plant.

Turkey anticipates launching its inaugural reactor at the Akkuyu plant, built by Rosatom in 2026, with construction at 99 percent complete for the first of four 1,200 MW VVER units. Once fully operational, Akkuyu will meet about 10 percent of Turkey’s electricity needs, with further plants planned in Sinop and Thrace to elevate nuclear’s role substantially.

The European Union’s nuclear energy policy reflects a pragmatic, evolving stance that recognises nuclear power as a key low-carbon technology for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In 2022, the Complementary climate delegated act included specific nuclear (and gas) activities as transitional under strict conditions, such as safety standards, waste management requirements, and limits on new builds. This inclusion was upheld by the European Court of Justice in 2025, rejecting challenges from opponents like Austria. Nuclear thus qualifies for “green” investment labels in sustainable finance, helping attract capital despite ongoing debates from environmental groups arguing it harms other objectives like waste prevention.

This regional momentum underscores nuclear energy’s role in ensuring grid stability and security through partnerships and advanced technologies. For Croatia, the draft law represents a pivotal strategic choice, positioning the country to integrate nuclear power alongside renewables for a low-carbon, competitive future.

Sources: Siol.net, HINA, Balkan Insight

Caption: Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar (@susnjar in X