Croatia starts funding for first hydrogen filling stations for vehicles

The Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is rolling out a subsidy programme for investments in fuel supply infrastructure. Over the next three years it has prepared for the construction of hydrogen filling stations, plus the expansion of e-charging infrastructure for vehicles. The scheme is aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy in transport and accelerating the decarbonisation of the sector with electricity and hydrogen.

The programme has a budget of EUR 29.6 million, with a major part of funding (EUR 23 million) earmarked for the hydrogen stations which will be operational for cars, buses and trucks. The expectation is to install at least six units by 2026, with a capacity of at least 100 km each, but with the possibility for expansion. Around 65% of the funding will be rolled out this year (EUR 15 million), and the remaining proportion will be available in 2026. The locations of the filling stations are still not confirmed, but these will need to be placed within the TEN-T connections between Zagreb and the cities of Split, Varaždin and Rijeka.

The funding programme also aims to expand the existing e-charging infrastructure network (currently around 870 stations), by investing EUR 6.6 million which is to be rolled out in 2025.

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development also plans to foster investments in producing renewable and low-carbon hydrogen to complement efforts for decarbonising the transport sector.