An introductory presentation on the current state and future prospects of the German solar energy and battery energy storage markets, with a particular focus on opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Germany and Croatia in the renewable energy sector.

Six countries. Different paths. A shared energy future.

Bringing together ambassadors from six countries, from European Union member states to China, this panel offers different national perspectives on the current state and future of energy.

Although these countries share a common ambition to build sustainable, secure and reliable energy systems, their approaches, priorities and energy mixes often differ significantly. Through open dialogue, the ambassadors will present their countries’ energy strategies, current challenges and future plans, highlighting similarities and differences in their approaches to the energy transition.

Different paths, shared challenges and a common vision of a sustainable energy future.

A secure energy supply and competitive energy prices are now just as important to industrial competitiveness as knowledge, technology and access to markets. The panel brings together four different perspectives: an exporter achieving record growth thanks to global demand for electrical power equipment, an energy company investing in domestic gas production and renewable energy, the cement industry, facing major decarbonisation challenges, and a chamber of commerce representing companies for which energy prices have become a key business risk. The discussion will explore how to turn the energy transition into a business opportunity rather than an additional cost, whether Croatian industry can reduce emissions while remaining competitive in the global market, and what companies and the government each need to do.

The Promina Solar Power Plant marks a milestone in the development of Croatia’s energy sector. With a planned grid connection capacity of 150 MW and annual generation of approximately 274 GWh, it is Croatia’s largest solar power plant project, with output that could meet the annual electricity needs of around 69,000 households.

A particularly significant part of the project is the construction of a new 400 kV substation - the first of its kind in Croatia since 2004 and the first in Dalmatia in more than 45 years. The €15.3 million investment will connect the plant to Croatia’s transmission grid via 400 kV transmission lines leading to the Konjsko and Velebit substations.

Through this case study, the panel will examine the technical, investment and regulatory challenges involved in delivering one of Croatia’s largest energy projects, with a particular focus on transmission infrastructure development, the grid connection of large-scale renewable energy sources and the strategic importance of the 400 kV grid to the future of Croatia’s power system.

For years, battery energy storage systems were considered the missing link. As their numbers in the power system grow, they are seen as a supporting tool that can help integrate renewable energy sources, reduce grid congestion and enable more efficient and cost-effective development of the power system.

However, strong interest in connecting renewable energy sources to the grid, the electrification of energy consumption and the rapid increase in data centres’ electricity demand are leading us to view battery storage as critical, strategic infrastructure for the energy transition.

Whether battery energy storage systems can provide all the flexibility the power system expects of them will depend on the decisions we make today. Policymakers, regulators and market participants will play a crucial role in creating the conditions for their continued development.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming a key element of the energy transition, enabling greater power system flexibility, the integration of renewable energy sources and the development of new business models in the electricity market.

Drawing on real projects and practical experience, the panel will present the BESS project development process - from the initial concept and feasibility analysis through design and financing to construction, grid connection and commercial operation.

Particular emphasis will be placed on comparing the Croatian market with neighbouring countries and more developed international markets, with experts sharing their experience in project development, engineering, technological solutions and international business.

The rapid development of the solar industry, battery systems and electromobility is bringing new challenges in the procurement, distribution and availability of energy equipment. In an increasingly competitive market, choosing suppliers and the optimal procurement model is becoming an important factor in the success of every project.

The panel will bring together representatives of leading international and regional energy equipment distributors to discuss their role in today’s supply chain and the added value they provide to manufacturers, installers, contractors and investors.

Particular emphasis will be placed on direct procurement from manufacturers versus working with distributors, the advantages and limitations of each model, and the circumstances in which each makes the most business sense. Drawing on participants’ experience, the discussion will also explore the broader value of distribution - from availability and reliable delivery to technical support, financial flexibility and long-term partnerships.

The panel will address a key question: as global manufacturers and direct procurement channels become increasingly accessible, what is the true value of distributors, and how will their role evolve in the future?

The energy transition is not just about technology, investment and infrastructure, but also about the people who will shape the future of the energy sector. A new generation of professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators is bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas and different approaches to the challenges of today’s energy industry.
The panel will bring together young leaders who are already actively contributing to the development of the energy sector, from renewable energy sources and new technologies to innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic business development.
Through participants’ personal experiences and professional journeys, the discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges facing the new generation of energy professionals, their role in transforming the industry, and the importance of connecting the experience of established leaders with the ambitions and ideas of young people.
The panel will offer a view of the future of energy from the perspective of a generation that will not simply inherit the energy transition, but will actively help shape it.