Marijeta Majer at Novi List Energy Conference

Zagreb, 27. travnja 2026. – As global geopolitical tensions continue to ripple through energy markets, Novi list's conference "Kvarner 2030 – Energy Hub of the European Union" was held in Opatija on Friday, 24 April 2026.

Marijeta Majer, Director of the Energy Projects Division at ENNA Next, participated in the panel on energy security and sustainable development. Speaking about the energy landscape in Croatia and Europe, she noted that the structure of natural gas supply has changed dramatically following Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"Europe is now approximately 15 per cent dependent on Russian gas supplies. As for electricity, Croatia is transitioning from an old, centralised system with ageing infrastructure to a decentralised system powered by renewable energy sources," said Majer.

"ENNA Next is actively developing renewable energy projects, with a focus on solar power plants integrated with battery storage systems that enable better production management and mitigation of market fluctuations," she added. She also highlighted the challenges associated with surplus production at certain times of day, and the importance of energy storage systems as a key element of market stability and further development.

The panel discussion was marked by concrete projects and investments. Stjepan Adanić, President of the Management Board of JANAF, underlined the importance of pipeline infrastructure and Kvarner's role as a regional energy hub. Goran Pleše, Chief Operating Officer of INA's Refining and Marketing division, emphasised the significance of the completed modernisation of the Rijeka Oil Refinery, which further strengthens supply security and operational efficiency. Darko Pavlović, Adviser to the Management Board of Plinacro, spoke about the development and adaptation of the gas network to meet future system needs, whilst Danijela Šimović, Director of Commercial and Financial Affairs at LNG Croatia, highlighted the importance of the LNG terminal in diversifying supply routes and enhancing system resilience.

Anđelka Toto Ormuž, Head of Corporate Affairs at Rockwool, emphasised that energy efficiency – particularly through building renovation – is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption. Martina Biondić, Assistant Director at HEP ODS, stressed the need for further modernisation and digitalisation of the grid in order to accommodate the growing share of decentralised and renewable sources.

In conclusion, the discussion confirmed that Kvarner already stands as one of the most important energy hubs in this part of Europe, and that its further development will depend on coordinated infrastructure growth, investment in new technologies, and the strengthening of system resilience. In this context, the projects being developed by ENNA Next clearly point the way forward – towards a sustainable, flexible, and market-competitive energy system.

Read more about the panel at novilist.hr.

Photo by: Novi list