Marijeta Majer at the Novi List conference

Zagreb, April 27, 2026 – In the midst of global geopolitical tensions spilling over into the energy markets, on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Novo list conference "Kvarner 2030 - the energy hub of the European Union" was held in Opatija.

Marijeta Majer, Director of the Energy Projects Sector at ENNA Next, participated in the panel on energy security and sustainable development. Speaking about the energy picture of Croatia and Europe, she said that the structure of natural gas supply has changed dramatically due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

"Europe is now about 15 percent dependent on Russian gas supplies. In terms of electricity, Croatia is in transition from an old, centralized system with outdated infrastructure to a decentralized system with renewable energy sources," Majer pointed out.

"ENNA Next is actively developing projects of renewable energy sources, with an emphasis on solar power plants integrated with battery systems that enable better management of production and mitigation of market oscillations," said Majer. She particularly pointed out the challenges associated with excess production in certain parts of the day and the importance of energy storage systems as a key element of stability and further market development.

The panel discussion was marked by concrete projects and investments. Stjepan Adanić, President of the Management Board of JANAF, highlighted the importance of oil pipeline infrastructure and the role of Kvarner as a regional energy hub. Goran Pleše, Operations Director of INA Refining and Marketing, highlighted the significance of the completed modernization of the Rijeka Oil Refinery, which further strengthens security of supply and operational efficiency. Darko Pavlović, Advisor to the President of the Management Board of Plinacro, spoke about the development and adaptation of the gas network to future system needs, while Danijela Šimović, Director of Commercial and Financial Affairs at LNG Croatia, highlighted the importance of LNG terminals in diversifying supply routes and increasing system resilience.

Anđelka Toto Ormuž, head of Rockwool's corporate affairs, emphasized that energy efficiency, especially through the renovation of buildings, is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Martina Biondić, assistant director of HEP ODS, emphasized the need for further modernization and digitization of the network in order to be able to respond to the growing share of decentralized and renewable sources.

In conclusion, the discussion confirmed that Kvarner is already one of the most important energy hubs in this part of Europe, and its further development will depend on the coordinated development of infrastructure, investments in new technologies and strengthening of the system's resilience. In this context, the projects developed by ENNA Next clearly point to the direction of future development - towards a sustainable, flexible and competitive energy system.

Read more about the panel at novilist.hr.