China-Croatia Cooperation Deepens with Groundbreaking Ceremony of Korlat Solar Project

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Korlat solar project, Croatia's largest photovoltaic power project, in the small settlement of Korlat. The project, to be constructed by a Chinese consortium, aims to further deepen cooperation and enhance ties between the two countries. The Korlat solar project is expected to generate 165 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, meeting the electricity needs of approximately 50,000 households, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 tons per year.

Key Takeaways:

• The Korlat solar project, Croatia's largest photovoltaic power project, is set to be constructed by a Chinese consortium consisting of Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. and the Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute.
• The project will have an installed capacity of 99 megawatts and is expected to generate 165 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually.
• The electricity needs of approximately 50,000 households will be met, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 tons per year.
• The project is scheduled to be connected to the grid in April 2026.
• Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed hope that the Korlat solar project would further deepen cooperation and enhance ties between Croatia and China.
• Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin emphasized that the Korlat project would significantly boost regional economic development, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and support Croatia's energy transition and green development.
• The project builds on the successful collaboration between the two countries on the Chinese-built Senj Wind Farm.
• Norinco International will operate in compliance with regulations and deliver another high-quality project that satisfies all parties.

Statistics:

• The Korlat solar project will have an installed capacity of 99 megawatts.
• The project is expected to generate 165 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually.
• The electricity needs of approximately 50,000 households will be met.
• Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 150,000 tons per year.
• The project is scheduled to be connected to the grid in April 2026.

Sources:

• [1] Xinhua - Photo of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin visiting the construction site of the Korlat solar project in Korlat, Croatia, on May 15, 2025.
• [2] [State Council News] - The groundbreaking ceremony for the Korlat solar project was held Thursday in Korlat, with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin in attendance.