15 Nov Closing Conference of the “Energy and Climate Change” Programme was held in Rovinj, 12 – 13 November 2024
The Closing conference of the “Energy and Climate Change” Programme was held in Rovinj on Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 – 13 November 2024. The event was organized by the Programme Operator, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, with the support of the Programme Partner, the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, and the Donor Program Partner, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, with financial support from the donor countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism.
The conference brought together experts, stakeholders, project promoters, and partners from Croatia and the donor countries. Its goal was to present the results of the Programme, which significantly contributed to the energy transition and adaptation to climate change.
Visits to Successfully Implemented Projects
On the first day of the conference, November 12, participants visited two successfully implemented projects in the Istria County, as examples of best practices in the use of renewable energy sources.
The visit began at the “Dr. Martin Horvat” Special Hospital for Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Rovinj. As part of the “Sea for Heritage Energy Transition” project, the hospital installed a seawater heat pump system for heating and cooling. Acting hospital director, Ms. Barbara Peruško, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the support in implementing the project. The project was thoroughly presented by Mr. Marinko Rade, the hospital’s former director, and Mr. Dalibor Jovanović, project manager and director of the Istrian Regional Energy Agency (IRENA), highlighting the innovative use of natural resources to improve energy efficiency. Participants also toured the engine room to witness the functionality of the newly installed system under expert guidance.
The visit continued to Pula, where the Istrian Regional Energy Agency (IRENA) presented the “Good Energy—Solar Energy for Energy Transition” project. This initiative resulted in the installation of 22 solar power plants, enhancing energy efficiency in Istria County. Deputy Prefect of Istria County, Mr. Tulio Demetlika, greeted participants, while IRENA’s director, Mr. Dalibor Jovanović, shared key results and showcased a promotional video about the project. Participants also visited the Industrial School in Pula, one of the locations with an installed solar power plant, to see the practical application of the project’s outcomes.
Official Closing of the Programme
On the second day, November 13, the “Energy and Climate Change” Programme officially concluded. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Emil Nimčević, President of the City Council of Rovinj-Rovigno, Mr. Tulio Demetlika, Deputy Prefect of Istria County, Mr. Helge Klouman Marstrander, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Croatia, and Mr. Domagoj Mikulić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds.
Mr. Mikulić praised the effective utilization of allocated funds and emphasized the importance of projects promoting energy transition, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing energy supply security in Croatia. Representing the donor countries, Ms. Linn-Kaja Rogstad from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) and Ms. Camilla Langsholt from the Financial Mechanism Office expressed satisfaction with the collaboration and discussed future perspectives for continuing the Programme’s implementation.
Programme results on a national level were presented by Ms. Stella Arneri, the Programme Operator on behalf of the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, while Mr. Dražen Jakšić, Director of the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (EIHP), introduced the predefined project “Establishment of a National Training Center for Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB).” This project involved the renovation of EIHP’s office building to meet nZEB standards, providing Croatia with a modern educational center for energy efficiency.
Project Results and Panel Discussions
The closing ceremony showcased project outcomes as examples of best practices. These included initiatives under Calls such as: Energy Production from the Sea, Increased Solar Energy Production Capacity, Technical Documentation for Geothermal Energy, Increased Geothermal Energy Production Capacity, Deep Geothermal Energy Database and Shallow Geothermal Energy Database.
Two panel discussions were held: “Contribution of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources in the Energy Transition of the Republic of Croatia” and “Bilateral cooperation as a roadmap for future perspectives and knowledge transfer and implementation of efficient energy solutions”. Panel participants included representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction, and State Assets, the Ministry of Economy, Croatian Electricity Industry, the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, regional energy agencies, and donor organizations like the Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE) and National Energy Authority of Iceland (OS).
Program Impact and Achievements
The “Energy and Climate Change” Programme had a budget of €20 million, with €17 million financed by the donor countries and €3 million co-financed by Croatia. During the Programme’s implementation, 172 solar power plants were installed, 1 energy storage battery, 3 seawater heat pump systems, 3 well sites for geothermal energy utilization, 10 prospective geothermal well sites with prepared technical documentation were prepared, 2 geothermal energy databases with interactive GIS maps for deep and shallow geothermal energy were made and a National Training Center for Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings was established. All projects promoted climate change adaptation and concrete steps toward an energy-sustainable future.
In conclusion, the conference highlighted the critical role of international cooperation and innovative technologies in the energy transition and announced continued investments in projects ensuring a greener future for Croatia and Europe.
Below are the presentations of the speakers:
November 12 – Visit to Successfully Implemented Projects in the Istria County:
Presentation of the project “Sea for Heritage Energy Transition,” Mr. Marinko Rade
Presentation of the project “Sea for Heritage Energy Transition,” Mr. Dalibor Jovanović
Presentation of the project “Good Energy – Solar Energy for Energy Transition,” video
November 13 – Final Conference of the Program “Energy and Climate Change”:
Presentation of results by the Program Operator of the “Energy and Climate Change” Program and the Program Partner
Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, Mrs. Stella Arneri
Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, Mr. Dražen Jakšić
Presentation of successfully implemented projects within the “Energy and Climate Change” Program
Increased geothermal energy production capacity, City of Bjelovar, Mr. Zvonimir Žarec
Technical documentation for geothermal energy, Health Spa Topusko, Mr. Domagoj Mosler
Energy production from the sea, City of Dubrovnik, Mr. Mario Galić
Deep geothermal energy database, Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency, Mrs. Barbara Gluhak Popović
Recording of the Closing Conference of the Program “Energy and Climate Change”:
If you were unable to attend the conference or follow the live broadcast, the entire conference can be viewed at the following link.
