Croatia proposes nuclear energy law to boost low-carbon power by 2040

Croatia presented draft legislation on March 5 to create a legal framework for expanding nuclear energy, aiming to nearly double the share of nuclear power in electricity generation by 2040, Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar told parliament.

The proposed Nuclear Energy Development Act would lay the groundwork for long-term planning of nuclear capacity as Croatia seeks to strengthen energy security and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“Europe has clearly emphasised that by 2040 more than 90% of electricity must come from low-carbon sources, renewable and nuclear, and without nuclear energy this goal is almost impossible to achieve,” Šušnjar said during the parliamentary presentation, a government statement said.

Croatia aims to produce at least 30% of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2040, compared with around 16% today, which comes from the country’s stake in the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

The draft law does not specify the technology, location or financing of a future nuclear power plant, but instead establishes a framework for studies, analysis and long-term planning.

Under the proposal, the government would adopt a programme of activities within six months of the law entering into force to prepare a Nuclear Energy Development Plan. The plan itself would be finalised within a year and include assessments of electricity demand, economic impacts, technology options, potential sites and financing models.

Šušnjar said the legislation would, for the first time, formally include emerging technologies such as small modular reactors, advanced modular reactors and microreactors. These designs are considered more flexible and potentially cheaper to build, and could be located closer to industrial centres or large cities.

“Nuclear energy is not an alternative to renewable sources, but their support,” Šušnjar said, adding that together they could create a stable and reliable low-carbon power system. He said safety and environmental protection would remain key priorities, with oversight aligned with European regulations.