Croatia opened its distribution grid to batteries — three connection models explained

What happened

Croatia's distribution operator HEP ODS confirmed in January 2026 that the regulatory framework for battery storage is sufficiently advanced for investment. Three connection models exist, though rules for congestion management and system services are still being finalised, and restrictions on charging batteries from the grid are likely. Source: pv Europe, 22 January 2026 (pveurope.eu).

The three models in plain terms

Model one: large standalone storage with its own metering point follows the full connection procedure — the same as a power plant. Model two: storage co-located with generation (typically solar) shares the connection, which is faster but ties the battery to the plant's operating profile. Model three: storage behind a consumer's meter, the simplest procedure but limited to optimising that site's consumption.

Our take

The framework being 'ready' does not mean connections are easy — it means the rules finally exist. The projects that moved early, like the 854 MW that entered HOPS connection studies in 2025, now hold the queue positions. With charging restrictions likely, the value of a battery depends heavily on where it sits: near solar-heavy feeders, charging windows will be constrained; near load centres, less so.

What to do with this

Model the charging restriction into your revenue case before choosing between transmission and distribution connection. Gridscouter's Croatia map shows substations at both levels with the surrounding generation mix, so you can see where solar saturation will bite. Every Gridscouter plan starts with 14 days of full access for €0 today. Cancel any time before the trial ends and you pay nothing.

Gridscouter scores are estimates from open map data, not grid operator capacity figures. Always confirm connection capacity with the grid operator.