BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13. Croatia is committed to decarbonizing its energy system and accelerating its green transition, with the International Energy Agency warning of an imminent peak in in fossil fuel consumption, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković said as he delivered his statement during the COP29 summit in Baku, Trend reports.
"Our future depends on how boldly we act. Shifting away from fossil fuels is not only climate-wise but an economic necessity. We are doing our part by supporting our neighbors, starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina, to boost climate resilience and strengthen mitigation. Our achievements and investments in renewable energy reflect our dedication," he said.
According to the PM, in 2022, renewables made up 29.5 percent of the country's energy consumption, a figure that continues to grow. With projects like green hydrogen and geothermal development, the country aims for 42.5 percent renewables by 2030. To manage intermittency sustainability, investment in pumped storage hydropower is crucial, and Croatia has strong potential in this area. The country's efforts show that economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Andrej Plenković emphasized that Croatia has decoupled its strong growth from CO2 emissions, maintaining a carbon footprint well below the EU average.
"We are committed to protecting our environment and biodiversity, working to safeguard 30 percent of the Adriatic Sea under the Global Biodiversity Framework. We extend our energy commitment internationally, exemplified by the Clean Energy for EU Islands initiative launched during our EU Council presidency," he said.
He added that Croatia is advancing cutting-edge technology that transforms plastic, textiles, sludge, and non-recyclable biogenic waste into zero-emission hydrogen. This innovation tackles pollution and energy access while reducing methane emissions.