Šušnjar: Croatia, Italy mull subsea power cable

Croatia plans to install an electricity interconnector under the Adriatic Sea to Italy, but also to build a nuclear power plant, according to Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar. In his words, nuclear and geothermal energy are crucial for the country’s energy security.

Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar highlighted the importance of connecting the power grids of Croatia and Italy. The two countries are discussing an underwater power link between Dalmatia and the Italian coast, he underlined.

A subsea power cable would significantly relieve the Croatian network during periods of peak loads on the coast, and at the same time open up the possibility of two-way transmission of electricity, including the export of electricity to Italy – one of the largest European consumers, Šušnjar pointed out at the Energy Revolution – Road to a Sustainable Future conference, organized by Poslovni Dnevnik.

It is unfortunate that Croatia doesn’t have a power link with Italy, like Montenegro and Albania

He expressed the belief that the cable would solve the problems that Croatia’s coastal areas have from generating power with solar power plants and wind farms.

Technical plans for the project already exist, but it is difficult to talk about deadlines, he said. Once the political and market conditions are met, the cable could be installed in no time, the minister claimed.

In his words, Croatia sadly doesn’t have a power link with Italy, like Montenegro and Albania, Telegram.hr reported. Of note, the Montenegro-Italy cable has been operational since 2019, while Albania and Italy recently announced plans to install one.

Croatia intends to build a nuclear power plant

He recalled the importance of diversifying energy sources, highlighting geothermal as a stable, year-round renewable source with great potential, especially in the Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin.

In addition to geothermal, Croatia is considering the role of nuclear energy. It has established a working group to analyze options including an extension of the operation of the Krško nuclear power plant, construction of new capacities, and development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Geothermal and nuclear energy are opportunities for sustainability, technological progress, and greater energy security, Šušnjar underscored.

He stressed Croatia’s intention to install a nuclear power plant and hinted at the SMR technology.