The programme marking the 130th anniversary of the establishment of the first electric power system in Croatia concluded with a formal business reception in Zagreb, which brought together more than 500 distinguished guests from public, political, and business life. On 24 February in Zagreb, Hrvatska elektroprivreda officially marked the 130th anniversary of the start of operations of the first modern and integrated electric power system on the territory of Croatia with a major business reception — a significant milestone not only for HEP and the Croatian energy sector, but for Croatia as a whole.
The ceremony was attended by guests from the Croatian public, political and business community, including the envoy of the Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Tomislav Ćorić, the envoy of the Speaker of the Parliament Petar Šimić, the Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transition Damir Habijan, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković, members of parliament, ambassadors, domestic and foreign partners, and representatives of regional and local governments. Members of the Management Board and Supervisory Board of Hrvatska elektroprivreda, the executives and management of all HEP Group companies, as well as representatives of veterans’ associations and trade unions, were also in attendance.
Extending his congratulations on 130 years of electricity industry activity, the President of the Management Board of Hrvatska elektroprivreda, Vice Oršulić, emphasized that this magnificent jubilee is dedicated to the people who built the history of Croatia’s electricity sector and shaped Hrvatska elektroprivreda into the company we know today — a company of strategic and vital importance for our citizens, the economy, and the state, which investments today exceed EUR 800 million annually.
HEP has always been — and remains — a pillar of support to the Croatian Government, Croatian citizens and the economy in all key moments for our homeland, Oršulić said, including the recent years marked by the energy crisis triggered by the aggression against Ukraine, which began exactly four years ago.
“Thanks to our cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Croatia, we have preserved the stability and strength to face all the challenges of recent years, as well as the capacity to refurbish existing and build new energy facilities,” the President of the Management Board stated, announcing that in recent days the first kilowatt-hours of electricity from the
Korlat Solar Power Plant — and thus from the Korlat hybrid energy park — have been delivered to the grid.
“We have the determination and expertise to build on our rich and distinguished tradition and to lead Hrvatska elektroprivreda in a way that brings pride and benefit to Croatia and all its citizens,” Vice Oršulić said, emphasizing that HEP Group continues along this path today with due care and responsibility toward its heritage, while systematically contributing to Croatia’s green transition.
Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Ćorić congratulated HEP on its 130th anniversary, emphasizing that it is one of the largest and most important state-owned companies, which history is deeply intertwined with the economic, technological and social development of the Republic of Croatia.
“The importance of HEP goes beyond the role of a conventional market-oriented company; it is also a key instrument of national security, energy stability and economic development. A stable national energy system is a prerequisite for the economic resilience of the Republic of Croatia, and every investment in domestic energy production, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency is at the same time an investment in more stable public finances and a stronger economy,” Minister Ćorić stated.
Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković expressed special gratitude to HEP veterans, those who lost their lives in the Homeland War, and the employees who, as she emphasized, ensured the stability of the power system, as well as light and warmth in people’s homes during the most difficult moments of the aggression.
“I congratulate you on this remarkable 130-year milestone, marked by an event commemorating one of the greatest engineering achievements not only in Croatia but worldwide. Thank you for reminding us of the great and important history that encompasses the immeasurable and significant role of HEP, which even today guarantees security of supply and is indispensable in Croatia’s green transition.”
The anniversary programme was further enriched by a short film titled
130 Years of HEP, featuring both retired and current HEP employees.
