Croatia targets a sharp rise in nuclear power to underpin energy security and industrial growth

Croatia is preparing a major expansion of nuclear power as part of a broader effort to secure long-term electricity supply while supporting economic growth. The government’s stated goal is to nearly double nuclear’s role in the national power mix over the coming decade, positioning nuclear generation as a stable, low-carbon source.

Doubling nuclear’s share by 2030

Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik, Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar said Croatia aims to increase nuclear energy’s share from 16% to at least 30% by 2030. He added that the target could be exceeded, pointing to earlier site assessments from the 1980s that may help accelerate development.

Legislation and an action plan for civilian nuclear

Croatia already has operational experience with nuclear power through its joint ownership of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, which is operated together with Slovenia. Building on that foundation, authorities are preparing legislation and an action plan focused on developing civilian nuclear energy—an approach that frames expansion as a structured policy project rather than an ad hoc decision.

Potential new facility and regional cooperation

Šušnjar indicated that Croatia plans to move forward with constructing a nuclear facility within its borders. He suggested this could involve partnerships with neighboring countries, describing the strategy as a way to strengthen regional cooperation and improve long-term energy security.

Industrial strategy links nuclear to economic resilience

Nuclear power is also expected to feature prominently in Croatia’s industrial policy planning. As the government drafts a national industrial strategy for 2027–2034, it envisions nuclear generation as a reliable backbone for sustained industrial development and economic resilience.

For investors and market participants, the thrust of Croatia’s plan is clear: the country is trying to translate existing nuclear experience into a larger role for low-carbon baseload power, supported by new policy steps and potential cross-border collaboration—developments that could reshape expectations for future electricity supply and industrial competitiveness.