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

Six countries. Different paths. A shared energy future.

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

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

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

Sigurna opskrba energijom i njezina konkurentna cijena danas su jednako važni temelji industrijske konkurentnosti kao znanje, tehnologija i pristup tržištima. Panel okuplja četiri različite perspektive: izvoznika koji zahvaljujući globalnoj potražnji za elektroenergetskom opremom bilježi rekordni rast, energetsku kompaniju koja ulaže u domaću proizvodnju plina i obnovljive izvore, cementnu industriju suočenu s velikim izazovima dekarbonizacije te gospodarsku komoru koja zastupa tvrtke kojima je cijena energije postala jedan od ključnih poslovnih rizika. Razgovarat će se o tome kako energetsku tranziciju pretvoriti u poslovnu priliku, a ne dodatni trošak, može li hrvatska industrija istodobno smanjivati emisije i ostati konkurentna na globalnom tržištu te što trebaju učiniti kompanije, a što država?

A secure energy supply at a competitive price is now as important to industrial competitiveness as expertise, technology and access to markets. The panel brings together four perspectives: an exporter experiencing record growth thanks to global demand for power equipment; an energy company investing in domestic gas production and renewables; the cement industry facing major decarbonisation challenges; and a chamber of commerce representing businesses for which energy costs have become a key risk.

The discussion will examine how to turn the energy transition into a business opportunity rather than an additional expense, whether Croatian industry can reduce emissions while remaining globally competitive, and what companies and the government each need to do.

Fronius photovoltaic systems for households – European quality and independence (10 minutes).

Why we developed our own smart energy management platform alongside building power plants.

As the energy transition progresses and demand grows for stable, secure, low-carbon electricity, a key question is how to reconcile the development of nuclear energy with the rapid expansion of renewable sources.

This presentation will explore how the two can complement each other, the role of nuclear energy in maintaining power-system stability, and the challenges of integrating an increasing share of variable renewable generation. Special attention will be paid to the technological, economic and system-level aspects of their joint development and their role in a reliable, sustainable and competitive future energy mix.

The Promina solar power plant represents a milestone for 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 project and could meet the annual electricity needs of around 69,000 households.

The project also involves 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 through 400 kV lines towards the Konjsko and Velebit substations.

Using this case study, the panel will examine the technical, investment and regulatory challenges of delivering one of Croatia’s largest energy projects, focusing on transmission infrastructure, connecting large renewable installations and the strategic importance of the 400 kV grid.

For years, battery storage was considered the missing link. As more batteries enter the system, they are increasingly seen as tools for integrating renewables, easing grid congestion and improving the efficiency and economics of power-system development.

However, strong demand for renewable grid connections, the electrification of consumption and rapidly rising electricity demand from data centres are turning battery storage into critical strategic infrastructure for the energy transition.

Whether batteries can provide all the flexibility the electricity system requires will depend on decisions made today. Policymakers, regulators and market participants will play a crucial role in creating conditions for their further development.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming central to the energy transition by increasing power-system flexibility, integrating renewable generation and enabling new electricity-market business models.

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

Particular attention will be paid to comparing Croatia, neighbouring countries and more mature international markets, with insights from project development, engineering, technology and international business specialists.

Rapid growth in solar power, battery systems and electric mobility is creating new challenges for the procurement, distribution and availability of energy equipment. In an increasingly competitive market, supplier selection and the right procurement model have become important drivers of project success.

Representatives of leading international and regional energy-equipment distributors will discuss their role in modern supply chains and the added value they bring to manufacturers, installers, contractors and investors.

The panel will compare direct procurement from manufacturers with working through distributors, the advantages and limitations of each model, and when each makes commercial sense. Participants will also discuss distributors’ wider contribution, from supply reliability and technical support to financial flexibility and long-term partnerships.

As global manufacturers and direct purchasing channels become more accessible, what real value do distributors offer, and how will their role evolve?

The energy transition is not only about technology, investment and infrastructure; it is also about the people who will shape the energy sector’s future. A new generation of experts, entrepreneurs and innovators brings fresh perspectives and new approaches to modern energy challenges.

The panel will bring together young leaders already actively contributing to the energy sector, from renewable energy and emerging technology to innovation, entrepreneurship and strategic business development.

Through their personal experiences and career paths, participants will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing young energy professionals, their role in transforming the industry and the importance of connecting established leaders’ experience with young people’s ideas and ambitions.

This is a view of the energy future from a generation that will not simply inherit the transition, but actively shape it.