Končar finishes Otočac SHPP commissioning, bringing Croatia a new 1.5 MW small hydropower unit

Croatia’s push to add smaller-scale generation received a fresh boost after Končar completed delivery and commissioning of the Otočac small hydropower plant. The milestone brings an additional 1.5 MW renewable energy facility into the national power system.

Three-unit plant set for operations

The Otočac SHPP is built around three generating units, each rated at 500 kW. Končar expects the plant to produce more than 7 GWh of electricity annually, supporting local renewable output while advancing the country’s broader development of small hydropower.

The company said the project has cleared the key stages—covering construction, testing, and final commissioning—so it can move into operational service.

Design focused on faster installation and end-of-life recycling

A central element of the facility is its use of prefabricated generating units. Končar said this approach is intended to simplify installation and help lower maintenance demands across the plant’s lifetime.

Sustainability considerations were also incorporated early in the design process, including equipment selection aimed at ensuring components can be recycled at the end of its operational life.

Centralized electrical infrastructure and automation controls

Electrical infrastructure for the SHPP is housed in a dedicated control building positioned next to the powerhouse. That setup includes medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, frequency converters, low-voltage systems, direct current distribution, along with control and automation equipment designed to manage plant operations.

The completion underscores Končar’s continued participation in regional hydropower projects, where it supplies and integrates equipment for smaller renewable installations.