Slovenia-based Interenergo is an energy group active in Southeast Europe (SEE) with a focus on wholesale electricity trading, power purchase agreements (PPA), investments in renewables and energy services. Its renewable energy production portfolio stood at 97.7 MW in 2023, with more than 200 MW of projects under development. Since 2009 the company has been part of Austria’s Kelag Group.
In the hinterland of the Adriatic shore, near the Croatian city of Zadar, Interenergo has executed a transformative project that stands as a testament to the company's technical expertise and commitment to sustainable energy solutions in demanding terrain and conditions. This industrial success story involves the reuse of a degraded area into a hub of renewable energy, utilizing solar panels and wind turbines to harness the natural resources of the region for sustainable energy production.
The project, called Jasenice, commenced in 2020 when Interenergo entered the Croatian renewable energy market by establishing its inaugural wind farm in the municipality of Jasenice. A significant next step in this area was made in 2023 when a ground-based solar power plant was opened close to the farm.
While the municipality of Jasenice is characterized by optimal sunlight exposure, it is not without challenges. The hilly terrain and the wind gusts required an untraditional approach for the construction of the wind farm. Despite these obstacles, the farm was built in just one year. The project was carefully designed, utilising five wind turbines with a special storm control system allowing for full operation at gusts of up to 34 m/s. The chosen blades are also designed so as to withstand extreme winds. The five 64-metre-high hubs have a total rated power of 10.00 MW and can power 9,000 households annually.
Building upon the success of the wind farm, Interenergo seized the opportunity for another ambitious renewable energy project in the same location – its first ground-based solar power plant in Croatia. The solar power plant, named Bukovica, boasts a rated power of 6.26 MWp and covers an expansive area of 31,500 sq.m or the size of nearly five football fields. It increased energy production by over a third, catering to the needs of additional 3,500 homes. Notably, at the time of commissioning, the Bukovica solar power plant ranked among the top five largest ground-based solar power plants in Croatia.
The synergy achieved through the coexistence of these two renewable sources not only revitalized an otherwise degraded and unused area but also serves as evidence that with the right vision and skills, such opportunities can be translated into reality. The environmental impact of the project is substantial, with the power plants contributing to an annual reduction of 14,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Beyond environmental benefits, Interenergo prioritizes collaboration with and support for local communities, engaging local subcontractors whenever possible. These energy infrastructure developments bring about significant economic advantages to the local environment, positioning the municipality of Jasenice as a forward-thinking and sustainable region.
Furthermore, both power plants play a pivotal role in Croatia's energy transition, aligning with national and international energy and climate goals. “This solar power plant is not just a technical facility that generates electrical energy but is also a symbol of our efforts and of our dedication to protecting our environment for future generations, as well as an expression of our vision for a better future,” Stipe Vulić, mayor of Jesenice, said at the inauguration of Bukovica.
This successful project is part of Interenergo's extensive portfolio, which includes hydro, wind, and solar projects in the region, with over 35 operating projects in seven countries in SEE. Inspired by the accomplishments of the Bukovica solar power plant, the company plans to expand its solar capacities in the hinterlands of Zadar, with new capacities projected to be twice the size of the Bukovica plant. In addition to ongoing projects, Interenergo is actively developing more than 200 MW of renewable energy projects in SEE.