Both projects, located in the southern Dalmatian region near Split, mark the beginning of DRI’s ambition to establish up to 500 MW of wind and solar capacity in Croatia by 2028, alongside significant investments in substations and storage facilities.
The Brda Umovi wind farm, with a nominal capacity of 127.5 MW, is set to commence construction in the summer of 2025, with electricity production expected by autumn 2026, pending permit approvals. The project is projected to generate 338 GWh annually, sufficient to power approximately 83,000 households and offset 51,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
DRI is actively seeking partnerships with energy traders and buyers for long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and is open to collaboration with the Croatian government, particularly if a contract-for-difference scheme is introduced.
The wind farm will connect to the new 400/110 kV substation, Croatia’s first in 20 years exclusively for renewable energy projects. The substation, which will initially connect 300 MW with potential for an additional 600 MW, is expected to significantly enhance grid connectivity in the Split-Dalmatia region, with construction also slated to begin in the summer of 2025.
These projects represent the initial phase of DRI’s plans in Croatia and are set to contribute to the country’s goal of achieving a 36.4% share of renewable energy by 2030, aligning with DRI’s broader mission to accelerate the energy transition across Europe.
Currently, DRI operates a 53 MW solar farm in Glodeni and a 60 MW wind farm in Ruginoasa, Romania. In addition to the Croatian ventures, DRI is developing five more projects in Italy, Romania, and Poland, focusing on solar, wind, and battery storage solutions.
