
Croatia has launched a €30 million funding programme to help agricultural businesses invest in solar energy and electricity storage systems, as the country looks to increase renewable energy production and reduce energy costs across the farming sector.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition announced the call for applications on 11 November through the Modernisation Fund.
The programme is open to micro, small, medium-sized and large businesses involved in primary agricultural production or the processing of agricultural products.
Recognised producer organisations are also eligible to apply, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Funding will support the construction and expansion of photovoltaic power plants, including solar panel installations, as well as battery systems designed to store electricity.
Eligible projects can also include related supervision and project management costs.
The maximum amount available to an individual applicant is €5 million, making the programme relevant to both smaller agricultural operators and larger food-processing businesses planning substantial investments.
Applications will remain open until 31 January 2027 at midday, although the ministry has warned that the call may close earlier if the available funding is exhausted.
Applications must be submitted by registered post to the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund in Zagreb, following the conditions outlined in the official documentation.
The initiative comes at a time when energy costs remain an important consideration for agricultural producers, particularly businesses operating facilities that require electricity for refrigeration, processing, irrigation and storage.
Solar installations could allow farms and food producers to generate a greater proportion of their own electricity, while battery storage would provide greater flexibility in how that energy is used.
For Croatia, which has considerable solar potential, expanding renewable energy capacity in agriculture also offers an opportunity to reduce the sector’s dependence on conventional energy sources.
The €30 million programme represents one of the latest funding opportunities available to Croatian agricultural businesses looking to modernise their operations and invest in renewable energy.
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