Croatia opposes Slovenia's Mokrice hydroelectric plant project

The Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has formally opposed the construction of the Mokrice hydroelectric power plant on the Sava River, a project planned by Slovenia. Located approximately 450 meters from the border, the plant is projected to pose significant risks to surface and groundwater levels downstream in Croatia.

Environmental organizations and government officials warn that the project could threaten the drinking water supply for the Zagreb metropolitan area by lowering groundwater levels. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the erosion of the Sava riverbed and potential damage to Natura 2000 protected areas. While the Slovenian government is considering whether energy production benefits outweigh environmental preservation, Croatian authorities emphasize that the ecological costs, including disrupted fish migration and habitat destruction, will be borne by Croatia.

In separate energy developments, Croatia's transmission operator HOPS has signed an €11.5 million contract with Končar for transformer installations in Gračac, supported by EU funds. Furthermore, HEP is moving forward with plans for a new gas-fired cogeneration plant in Osijek to modernize local heat production.