Croatia opens upgraded gas pipeline, boosting capacity towards Slovenia

Croatia has officially opened its upgraded Lučko-Zabok gas pipeline, a significant infrastructure project located north of Zagreb. This enhancement is expected to more than quintuple the gas flow capacity directed towards Slovenia, marking a crucial step in bolstering regional energy connectivity.

The investment, valued at approximately 80 million euros, is a key component of Croatia's strategy to integrate the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island of Krk with the broader European gas transmission network. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, present at the opening ceremony, highlighted the project's importance in strengthening Croatia's energy security and its position as a regional energy hub.

With the Krk LNG terminal and associated infrastructure now operational, Croatia aims to leverage its role as a significant player in the European gas market. However, the government recognizes the need for continuous upgrades to the national gas pipeline network to fully capitalize on this potential.

According to Plinovodi director Matija Bitenc, the transmission capacity from Croatia to Slovenia at the Rogatec border point, which stood at 0.26 billion cubic meters per year since 2018, will see phased increases. Following the current upgrades, capacity will rise to 0.9 billion cubic meters per year in June, with a further increase to up to 1.5 billion cubic meters per year by the end of the year, depending on system pressure conditions. Bitenc noted that this investment improves regional network connectivity and resilience, enhances the utilization of the Krk LNG terminal, and boosts supply reliability for Slovenia.

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The investment improves the connectivity and resilience of gas transmission networks in the region, enables greater utilization of the LNG terminal on Krk as an import source, and also increases the reliability of supply to Slovenia.