A New Blueprint for Europe’s Industrial Independence

The European Union classifies Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) as substances with high economic importance to EU industry combined with elevated supply risk, due to concentrated global production, geopolitical vulnerabilities, or limited substitutes. The list is updated every three years; the current framework stems from the 2023 assessment, formalized in the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which entered into force in May 2024.

EU Critical Raw Materials List

The EU identifies 34 CRMs. A subset of 17 Strategic Raw Materials (SRMs) receives priority focus because they underpin the green/digital transitions, defense, and space sectors, with projected demand growth likely to outpace supply. Copper and nickel (battery-grade) are included as SRMs even though they fall short of full CRM thresholds in some metrics.

Full CRM List (Strategic Raw Materials in bold or highlighted where applicable):

Aluminium/Bauxite

Antimony

Arsenic

Baryte

Beryllium

Bismuth

Boron/Borates

Cobalt

Coking coal

Copper* (SRM)

Feldspar

Fluorspar

Gallium

Germanium

Hafnium

Helium

Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE)

Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE)

Lithium

Magnesium

Manganese

Natural graphite

Nickel (battery-grade, SRM)

Niobium

Phosphorus/Phosphate rock

Platinum Group Metals (PGM)

Scandium

Silicon metal

Strontium

Tantalum

Titanium metal

Tungsten

Vanadium

*Note: Aluminium/bauxite is treated as linked; gallium is often a by-product of bauxite/alumina processing.

Key applications include:

Batteries/EVs — Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, manganese.

Renewables & electrification — Rare earths (magnets for wind turbines), copper, silicon, aluminum (transmission lines).

Semiconductors & digital — Gallium, germanium, silicon metal.

Defense & aerospace — Rare earths, gallium (for radars/semiconductors), titanium, tungsten, boron.

EU's Strategic Response: The Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)

The CRMA aims to reduce strategic dependencies (especially on China, which dominates processing for many materials like rare earths, gallium, and graphite) through:

Domestic capacity targets by 2030 (non-binding benchmarks for SRMs):

10% of annual EU consumption from domestic extraction.

40% from EU processing.

25% from recycling.

No more than 65% of any SRM from a single third country at any supply chain stage.

Strategic Projects: These receive streamlined permitting, easier access to funding, and priority support. In March 2025, the Commission selected 47 EU-based strategic projects across 13 member states (total projected investment ~€22.5 billion), covering 14 of the 17 SRMs. A further 13 projects in third countries were recognized in June 2025. A second call closed in January 2026.

Broader Initiatives:

RESourceEU Action Plan (launched late 2025/early 2026): Mobilizes at least €3 billion via EU funds, EIB, InvestEU, etc., for domestic projects, circularity, market monitoring, and strategic reserves. Includes a European Critical Raw Materials Centre (planned for 2026) for intelligence and financing coordination.

Emphasis on circularity (recycling permanent magnets, secondary markets) and international partnerships (Strategic Partnerships with third countries).

Procurement platform for aggregated buying to strengthen buyer power.

Challenges remain significant: Domestic production lags, permitting delays persist, and full self-sufficiency is unrealistic due to geology and time/capital requirements. The European Court of Auditors (2026 report) noted risks of missing targets, with heavy ongoing import reliance (e.g., ~90%+ for some rare earths and gallium pre-new projects).

Link to Metlen Energy & Metals and Greece

Metlen's integrated project at the Aluminium of Greece complex (Viotia) stands out as one of the most prominent strategic initiatives. It modernizes bauxite mining, expands alumina production (to ~1.265 million tonnes/year), and launches Europe's first large-scale gallium production line (~50 tonnes/year target by ~2028, potentially covering full EU demand). Gallium, a by-product of alumina refining from gallium-rich Greek bauxite, is vital for semiconductors, 5G, solar, and defense applications. China produces >90% globally; Europe has imported ~90% of its needs.

The project was designated a Strategic Project under the CRMA in March 2025 (one of only a few directly addressing gallium, bauxite/alumina, and aluminum together).

Backed by €90 million EIB financing (announced January 2026).

First small-scale output (5 kg) achieved by early 2026, with ramp-up planned.

It also supports aluminum for high-voltage transmission lines in an electrified, AI-driven economy and ties into Metlen's broader energy-metals-defense model.

This exemplifies the "new European industrial model" of cross-sector integration, leveraging existing infrastructure for critical materials while advancing decarbonization and strategic autonomy.

Broader Context and Outlook

Europe's push reflects a shift from globalization to "open strategic autonomy" amid trade tensions, export restrictions, and surging demand from the green/digital transitions. While recycling and substitution help, primary supply gaps persist for materials like rare earths and certain battery inputs. Progress depends on faster permitting, private investment, public-private financing, and balanced international cooperation without over-reliance on any single partner.

The CRMA and RESource

EU mark concrete steps, but analysts caution that targets are ambitious and geopolitical risks (e.g., China’s processing dominance) remain. Companies like Metlen illustrate how targeted industrial players can bridge policy and execution, particularly in aluminum-gallium value chains.

As Europe navigates an era of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and accelerating technological change, the imperative for strategic self-sufficiency has never been clearer. The European Union has responded with policies aimed at “open strategic autonomy,” seeking to reduce dangerous dependencies on external powers for energy, critical raw materials, and advanced technologies while remaining open to global trade. In this context, one company stands out as a practical model of how scale, vertical integration, and forward-looking strategy can drive industrial resilience: Metlen Energy & Metals (formerly Mytilineos).

Metlen’s evolution from a Greek family-founded enterprise to a multinational listed on the London Stock Exchange (and FTSE 100) exemplifies a new blueprint for European industry. By combining a fully integrated energy business with a vertically integrated metals operation, the company creates natural synergies that hedge against volatility and accelerate growth in sectors vital to the green and digital transitions.

The Dual-Sector Model: Energy and Metals in Synergy

Metlen operates two complementary pillars. In Energy, it has built a diversified portfolio encompassing renewables (with a pipeline exceeding 10 GW), flexible thermal generation, energy storage, trading, and retail supply. Its efficient fleet and ability to act as a “virtual battery” — shifting consumption to periods of abundant low-cost renewable power — help stabilize grids and support the broader electrification of Europe.

In Metals, Metlen controls one of Europe’s few fully integrated aluminum value chains: from bauxite mining through alumina refining to primary and recycled aluminum production. Following the acquisition of IMERYS Bauxites Greece, it became Europe’s largest bauxite producer. This upstream strength is now being expanded significantly. A €295.5 million investment program, backed by the European Investment Bank, will increase bauxite output toward 2 million tonnes annually, raise alumina capacity to 1.265 million tonnes, and — crucially — launch Europe’s first domestic gallium production facility (targeting 50 tonnes initially). Gallium is a critical raw material essential for semiconductors, high-efficiency solar panels, and advanced electronics.

These investments directly address Europe’s vulnerabilities. The continent remains heavily dependent on imports for many critical materials, with China dominating gallium and rare earth processing. By producing gallium domestically, Metlen contributes concretely to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and reduces exposure to geopolitical risks.

Vertical Integration as a Competitive and Strategic Advantage

What makes Metlen’s approach distinctive is its emphasis on vertical integration. Controlling more of the value chain internally allows for greater cost efficiency, quality control, and resilience against price shocks or export restrictions. The aluminum smelter, for instance, can flexibly adjust its energy consumption to support grid stability — turning an energy-intensive process into an asset for the energy transition.

The company also invests in circular economy initiatives, including a pilot plant for advanced metals recovery, which aligns with Europe’s sustainability goals and reduces the need for primary raw materials. Digital transformation further enhances competitiveness: proprietary technologies, AI-driven optimization, and integrated operational systems help maintain low cash costs even in a high-energy-cost European environment.

Financially, Metlen has demonstrated robust performance, with ambitions for medium-term EBITDA in the €1.9–2.08 billion range. Its model of disciplined capital allocation, international partnerships (including long-term bauxite and alumina agreements with global miners), and asset rotation in renewables enables self-funded growth while pursuing new frontiers such as defense-related manufacturing in Greece.

Aligning Corporate Strategy with European Priorities

Metlen’s trajectory aligns closely with key EU objectives: energy security, reindustrialization, and leadership in the green transition. Its work in critical materials supports the goals of the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Chips Act. At the same time, the company’s international footprint — operating in more than 30 countries — embodies “open” autonomy: it leverages global opportunities while strengthening Europe’s domestic industrial base.

CEO Evangelos Mytilineos has emphasized that strategic autonomy is not merely declared but earned through production, investment, and speed of execution. Metlen’s actions — from gallium production to expanding renewable capacity and exploring circular metals — illustrate this principle in practice.

A Scalable Blueprint for Broader Renewal

Europe faces stiff competition from state-supported industries in China and massive incentives in the United States. Fragmented national efforts or reliance on subsidies alone will not suffice. Metlen’s success suggests a more effective path: fostering integrated, competitive private-sector champions that combine scale with innovation and sustainability.

Such companies can anchor regional supply chains, create high-skilled jobs, and attract further investment. They demonstrate that European industry can be both green and globally competitive when supported by a clear strategy and bold capital deployment.

Of course, no single company can solve Europe’s industrial challenges. Systemic issues — regulatory complexity, permitting delays, and energy costs — still require policy attention. Yet Metlen provides a tangible proof-of-concept: vertical integration, cross-sector synergies, and targeted investment in critical technologies can build genuine resilience.

As Europe pushes toward greater self-sufficiency, models like Metlen offer not just inspiration but a replicable blueprint. By scaling what works — integration, innovation, and strategic risk-taking — the continent can renew its industrial strength and secure its economic future in an increasingly uncertain world.

In the end, industrial independence is not about isolation but about building the internal capabilities that allow Europe to engage the world from a position of strength. Metlen Energy & Metals is showing how that can be done. 

Zeljko Serdar, CCRES

Kako novi trgovinski dogovori EU-a mijenjaju izglede hrvatskih izvoznika.

Nakon desetljeća zastoja u pregovorima, Europa je dosegla prekretnicu u trgovinskoj politici: ušla je u pravu seriju potpisivanja sporazuma, sklopivši goleme pakte s vodećim silama poput Indije, Indonezije, Australije, Brazila i Argentine.

Ovaj val novih trgovinskih sporazuma označava strateški zaokret Europske unije prema diversifikaciji partnera i jačanju globalnog utjecaja u vrijeme rastućih geopolitičkih napetosti. Nakon dugogodišnjih, često mukotrpnih pregovora, EU je uspjela finalizirati ili potpisati ključne dogovore koji otvaraju vrata većem pristupu tržištima, smanjenju carina i suradnji u ključnim sektorima – od automobilske industrije i poljoprivrede do kritičnih sirovina i inovacija.

Sporazum s Indijom, koji su neki nazvali „majkom svih sporazuma“, otvara mogućnosti za milijarde eura uštede na carinama i jača veze između dviju najvećih demokracija svijeta. S Indonezijom je postignut dogovor koji dodatno učvršćuje položaj Europe u indo-pacifičkoj regiji, dok je sporazum s Australijom nedavno zaključen nakon osam godina pregovora, donoseći koristi i u području sigurnosti i obrane. Istodobno, povijesni dogovor s Mercosur blokom – uključujući Brazil i Argentinu – nakon više od četvrt stoljeća pregovora stvara jednu od najvećih slobodnih trgovinskih zona na svijetu, obuhvaćajući stotine milijuna potrošača i otvarajući put za rast izvoza europskih proizvoda poput automobila, vina i sira, uz uravnoteženi pristup južnoameričkim sirovinama.

Ovi sporazumi nisu samo ekonomski potezi – oni predstavljaju odgovor Europe na promjenjivu globalnu trgovinsku sliku, smanjenje ovisnosti o pojedinim tržištima i gradnju novih savezništava temeljenih na zajedničkim vrijednostima i pravilima. U vremenu kada protekcionizam dobiva na zamahu, Europa pokazuje da vjeruje u otvorenu, ali uravnoteženu trgovinu kao put prema prosperitetu i stabilnosti.

No, kakav će biti utjecaj tih sporazuma na hrvatsko gospodarstvo?

Hrvatska, kao mala otvorena ekonomija duboko integrirana u Europsku uniju, osjetit će te sporazume uglavnom indirektno – kroz učinke na cijelu EU, ali i kroz specifične prilike za domaće izvoznike. Ukupni izravni utjecaj na Hrvatsku bit će skroman u odnosu na veće članice poput Njemačke, Italije ili Španjolske, jer je trgovinska razmjena Hrvatske s ovim dalekim tržištima trenutačno relativno niska. Međutim, u pojedinim sektorima mogu se otvoriti značajne prilike, dok u drugima postoje rizici konkurencije. Pozitivni utjecaji na hrvatsko gospodarstvo Industrijski i farmaceutski sektor:

Sporazum s Mercosurom (Brazil, Argentina i dr.) donosi znatno smanjenje carina na europske industrijske proizvode – automobile, strojeve, farmaceutske proizvode i kemikalije. Hrvatske tvrtke iz farmaceutskog sektora (koji je već snažan izvozni adut), strojarstva i IT-a mogu lakše ući na ta tržišta, posebno uz olakšani pristup javnoj nabavi. Procjene za EU govore o rastu izvoza u Mercosur za do 39 %, što bi indirektno koristilo i hrvatskim dobavljačima unutar europskih lanaca vrijednosti. Prehrambeni i pićarski sektor: Smanjenje carina na vino, jaka alkoholna pića, maslinovo ulje, čokoladu i druge prerađevine pogodovat će hrvatskim proizvođačima s oznakama zemljopisnog podrijetla (npr. dalmatinska i istarska vina, maslinovo ulje). Velika hrvatska dijaspora u Južnoj Americi mogla bi dodatno potaknuti potražnju za poznatim brendovima.

Indija i Indonezija: Sporazumi s ovim golemim tržištima otvaraju vrata za hrvatski izvoz u područjima farmacije, strojeva, kemikalija i usluga. Posebno se ističe potencijal za IT i inženjerske usluge te za luksuzne i specijalizirane proizvode. EU procjenjuje da bi izvoz u Indiju mogao znatno porasti, a Hrvatska bi mogla sudjelovati u tom rastu kroz europske lance opskrbe.

Australija:

Novi sporazum poboljšava pristup kritičnim sirovinama i otvara tržište za europske proizvode visoke dodane vrijednosti, što može koristiti hrvatskim izvoznicima specijaliziranih roba i usluga. Općenito, ovi sporazumi doprinose diverzifikaciji hrvatskog izvoza, smanjenju ovisnosti o europskom tržištu i jačanju otpornosti gospodarstva u geopolitički nestabilnim vremenima. Potencijalni rizici i izazovi Poljoprivreda i prehrambena industrija:

Povećan uvoz jeftinijih poljoprivrednih proizvoda iz Mercosura (govedina, perad, šećer, med, žitarice) može stvoriti pritisak na cijene i konkurenciju za hrvatske poljoprivrednike. Iako su predviđene zaštitne mjere (kvote i sigurnosni mehanizmi), osjetljivi sektori poput stočarstva i ratarstva mogli bi osjetiti negativne učinke, slično kao u nekim drugim članicama EU-a.

Neravnomjeran utjecaj:

Koristi će se više osjetiti u industrijskim i uslužnim sektorima, dok bi tradicionalna poljoprivreda mogla zahtijevati dodatnu potporu i prilagodbu. Ukupni makroekonomski učinak na hrvatski BDP procjenjuje se kao ograničen, ali pozitivan u dugom roku zahvaljujući većoj trgovinskoj integraciji. Zaključak

Ovi trgovinski sporazumi predstavljaju stratešku priliku za Hrvatsku da proširi svoje izvozne horizonte i ojača položaj unutar europskog gospodarstva. Najveće koristi očekuju se u farmaceutskoj industriji, strojarstvu, vinogradarstvu i IT sektoru, dok će poljoprivreda zahtijevati pažljivo praćenje i moguće kompenzacijske mjere. Dugoročno, sporazumi mogu pridonijeti rastu izvoza, stvaranju radnih mjesta i većoj gospodarskoj otpornosti – pod uvjetom da hrvatske tvrtke aktivno iskoriste nove mogućnosti i da se provede adekvatna prilagodba osjetljivih sektora.

Što mislite – hoće li ovi dogovori donijeti dugoročnu korist europskim građanima i gospodarstvima, ili će izazvati nove izazove u osjetljivim sektorima poput poljoprivrede?

Željko Serdar, Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije (HCOIE)

From Hormuz Chaos to Energy Independence: Why Renewables Are Winning the Geopolitical Game

Strait of Hormuz Shutdown: 

The Fossil Fuel Wake-Up Call That Makes Renewables the Only Secure Path Forward

The ongoing war in Iran has starkly exposed the world's dangerous dependence on fragile fossil fuel chokepoints. Fighting has virtually halted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This disruption has sent energy markets into turmoil, driving up prices and putting severe pressure on import-dependent economies.

Asia, the primary destination for much of this oil, has been hit hardest, but the ripple effects are felt worldwide—including in Europe, where governments are scrambling to reduce energy demand, and in Africa, facing higher fuel costs and inflation risks.

What makes this moment different from past oil shocks is that renewables are now genuinely competitive. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), more than 90% of new renewable power projects worldwide in 2024 were cheaper than fossil-fuel alternatives. The conflict underscores the urgent need to accelerate the global shift to clean energy, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical flashpoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

For the Republic of Croatia, the future in renewables looks increasingly promising. Thanks to abundant natural advantages—high solar irradiation (one of the best in the EU), strong wind resources, established hydropower, and significant geothermal potential—the country is rapidly expanding its clean energy capacity.

In 2025, Croatia set new records: solar, wind, biomass, and biogas together generated over 5 TWh, surpassing other sources and covering 26.6% of electricity consumption. When including hydropower, renewables supplied more than 52.6% of electricity. Solar installations surged, reaching around 1.255 GW by late 2025, with projections for solar to overtake wind in installed capacity by early 2026.

Croatia's revised National Energy and Climate Plan targets a 42.5% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030 (with ambitions up to 65.6% by 2050), supported by massive untapped potential: up to 7 GW of solar and an estimated 25 GW in offshore wind. Ongoing regulatory improvements aim to unblock grid connections for large-scale projects, boost behind-the-meter solar and storage, and develop geothermal for baseload power.

By investing in these domestic, secure, and increasingly affordable sources, Croatia can enhance energy independence, shield itself from global fossil fuel volatility—like the current Hormuz crisis—and lead in Europe's green transition. The path is clear: renewables aren't just the future; they're the present and the smartest way forward.

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Sweden’s electricity generation is predominantly fossil-free.

 

Sweden generates about 99% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, with fossil fuels making up just 1.2% of the mix. The country's power grid relies heavily on hydropower (around 40%), nuclear (about 27-29%), and wind (roughly 25%), supplemented by smaller shares from solar, biofuels, and other renewables. This fossil-free dominance isn't new; Sweden has been phasing out coal, oil, and gas for decades, achieving near-total decarbonization of its electricity sector while exporting clean power to neighbors.

This setup makes Sweden a global leader in sustainable energy, with low emissions per capita (0.6 tonnes CO2e) and a commitment to 100% renewable electricity by 2040. It's a model for how abundant natural resources like rivers and wind, combined with strategic nuclear use, can power a modern economy without relying on dirty fuels.

Sweden has long relied on nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its electricity system, providing stable, low-carbon baseload power that complements its abundant hydropower and growing wind resources. This role has evolved from a response to energy security concerns in the 1970s to a key element in the country's push toward net-zero emissions amid rising electricity demand.

Sweden's nuclear program began in the late 1960s as a strategy to diversify away from oil imports and support industrial growth, especially after the 1973 oil crisis exposed vulnerabilities in fossil fuel dependence. At the time, oil accounted for about 75% of the country's energy consumption, prompting a rapid build-out of nuclear reactors alongside hydropower. By the 1980s, nuclear had become integral, but a 1980 referendum led to a government decision to phase it out—though this was never fully implemented due to economic and energy needs. Instead, Sweden maintained and upgraded its fleet, avoiding new builds until recent policy shifts.

As of 2024-2025 data, nuclear power generates approximately 29-30% of Sweden's electricity, with six operational reactors across three plants: Forsmark (three reactors), Ringhals (two), and Oskarshamn (one). This contributes to Sweden's near-fossil-free grid, where nuclear provides reliable, dispatchable energy that balances intermittent renewables like wind (about 23%) and hydro (38%). In 2024, nuclear produced around 50 TWh out of total generation of 172 TWh, helping keep per-capita CO2 emissions low and enabling electricity exports to neighboring countries. It's particularly vital for grid stability in southern Sweden, where demand is high and hydro resources are limited.

Nuclear's efficiency is evident in its high capacity factors (often over 90%), minimal fuel needs, and role in decarbonization—Sweden's electricity sector emissions are among the world's lowest, at under 10g CO2/kWh. However, aging infrastructure has led to some reactor closures (e.g., two at Ringhals in recent years), reducing capacity from a peak of 12 reactors.

Future Plans and Policy

In a major pivot, the Swedish government under Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson shifted in 2023 from a "100% renewable" target to "100% fossil-free" by 2045, explicitly endorsing nuclear expansion to meet projected doubling of electricity demand by 2040-2045 (driven by electrification in transport, industry, and data centers). Plans include building two new large-scale reactors by 2035 and up to ten equivalent reactors by 2045, potentially including small modular reactors (SMRs) like GE's BWRX-300. A 2025 OECD report highlights nuclear (alongside onshore wind) as the most cost-effective option for this growth, with no viable role for offshore wind in least-cost scenarios.

Public opinion remains mixed, with about 50-60% supporting nuclear in polls, but the policy emphasizes its environmental benefits, such as reducing emissions by an estimated 62% in historical contexts. Challenges include high upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and waste management, but Sweden's experience positions it as a leader in safe nuclear operations.

Overall, nuclear energy is pivotal to Sweden's energy security, climate goals, and economic competitiveness, evolving from a transitional technology to a long-term pillar in a fossil-free future.

Now, comparing Sweden to Croatia on renewable energy: 

While Sweden's electricity is over 70% renewable (hydro, wind, solar, etc., excluding nuclear), Croatia hit a milestone in 2025 with renewables supplying 52.6% of its electricity consumption—including hydro (26%), wind/solar/biomass/biogas (26.6%). 

Croatia's mix still includes notable fossil shares like gas (13%) and coal (4%), plus heavy imports (31%), but it's making rapid progress: renewable production grew, fossil output dropped over 50% in parts of 2025, and solar/wind are booming. Sweden is farther along in full decarbonization, but Croatia's trajectory shows strong potential, especially with targets for 42.5% renewables in overall energy by 2030. Both nations highlight Europe's push toward green power!

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

Next-Generation Geothermal Energy

 

The United States is doubling down on geothermal power as a cornerstone of its energy future. On February 27, 2026, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a major $171.5 million funding opportunity to accelerate next-generation geothermal technologies through field-scale tests and exploration drilling. This initiative will support both electricity generation projects and critical resource characterization work, directly advancing President Trump’s Executive Order on Unleashing American Energy.

The funding targets six specific topics, with the first application round focusing on enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and drilling programs for next-generation and hydrothermal resource confirmation. These investments aim to de-risk innovative approaches, attract private capital, and unlock the vast untapped potential of geothermal energy — a clean, reliable, 24/7 baseload power source that can power homes, businesses, and data centers without intermittency issues.

“Work under this opportunity will directly support our commitments to advance energy addition, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and unleash American energy dominance and innovation,” said DOE Assistant Secretary of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Kyle Haustveit. He emphasized that thanks to President Trump’s America First Energy Agenda, these demonstrations will spur domestic manufacturing, enable data center growth, and deliver affordable, secure energy nationwide.

The United States already leads the world with approximately 4 gigawatts of installed geothermal capacity. However, DOE analyses project a staggering potential of at least 300 gigawatts of reliable geothermal power on the U.S. grid by 2050. By proving commercial viability at scale, this funding round is expected to catalyze widespread private investment and industry expansion.

Letters of Intent are due March 27, 2026, with full applications due April 30, 2026. This rapid timeline underscores the urgency and momentum behind America’s push to dominate in geothermal innovation.

Geothermal energy stands out because it offers firm, dispatchable power — the missing piece in a renewables-heavy grid dominated by variable solar and wind. With this investment, the U.S. is positioning itself not just to meet domestic demand but to export technology and expertise globally, strengthening energy security and economic competitiveness.

Key Information on Geothermal Sources in the Republic of Croatia

Croatia possesses significant geothermal potential, especially in the northern and eastern Pannonian Basin region, where the geothermal gradient is about 60% higher than the European average (roughly 0.049 °C/m compared to Europe’s 0.03 °C/m). This makes the area highly prospective for both heat and electricity production.

Known resources: 28 geothermal fields identified, of which 18 are in active use, primarily for direct applications such as spa tourism (balneotherapy), recreation, and space heating. Installed thermal capacity includes approximately 36.7 MW for space heating and 77.3 MW for bathing/swimming pools.

Electricity production: Croatia currently has one geothermal power plant — Velika Ciglena (Velika 1) near Bjelovar — with a gross capacity of around 17.5 MW (net ~10 MW). The plant has been offline in recent years due to ownership disputes, though new investors are showing interest. A new 15 MW electricity project is under development in Babina Greda (drilling of an exploratory well to ~3,850 m began in 2025, targeting 170 °C water).

Recent breakthroughs (2025–2026): The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (AZU) achieved a perfect 100% success rate in four exploration sites funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan:

– Velika Gorica (>100 °C) — could cover nearly 60% of the city’s district heating needs

– Osijek (>100 °C, ~5 MW heating potential)

– Vinkovci (record 131 °C at 2,700 m)

– Zaprešić (near Zagreb, >95 °C at >1,600 m)

Additional drilling is underway in Virovitica and other locations.

Overall potential: 

Conservative estimates suggest up to 1 GW of geothermal power plant capacity is feasible at identified sites. There are currently six active exploration projects focused on both electricity and district heating. Geothermal is viewed as a key pillar for energy independence and is fully integrated into Croatia’s National Energy Strategy, which targets 42.5% renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030 and 65.6% by 2050.

Croatia’s geothermal resources are already powering tourism and local heating, and with continued exploration success and international interest, the country is well-positioned to expand into large-scale district heating networks and electricity generation — complementing the global momentum highlighted by the latest U.S. funding announcement.

The future of geothermal looks bright on both sides of the Atlantic. Zeljko Serdar, CCRES

Ready for a circular, resilient energy future?

As the EU races towards climate neutrality by 2050, our energy landscape is transforming rapidly—with clean sources taking center stage. But the real game-changer? Maturing innovative technologies still in the R&I pipeline that promise a sustainable future.

A groundbreaking new study tackles the challenges head-on: from resource sustainability and supply chain resilience to minimizing environmental and social impacts. It calls for early, ongoing assessments to align emerging clean energy tech with EU goals, boosting sustainability, circularity, resilience, and technological autonomy.

Key highlights:

Comprehensive review of assessment methods.

Insights from stakeholder consultations.

Actionable approaches refined with Horizon Europe projects at various tech readiness levels.

A flexible framework tailored to maturity stages, plus tech-specific guidelines.

Sector spotlights: Carbon capture, utilisation & storage (CCUS); energy infrastructure; energy storage; renewable & low-carbon fuels; and renewable energy technologies.

Funded by Horizon Europe (2021-2022), this study powers the European Climate Law, Renewable Energy Directive, Clean Industrial Deal, Critical Raw Materials Act, upcoming Circular Economy Act, Net Zero Industry Act, and SET Plan.

The Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) is a European Union regulation designed to strengthen the EU's manufacturing ecosystem for net-zero technologies, supporting the transition to climate neutrality by 2050 as part of the broader European Green Deal. It aims to scale up domestic production of clean technologies to enhance energy resilience, attract investments, and boost industrial competitiveness against global rivals like the US and China.

Key Objectives

Manufacturing Benchmark: The act sets a non-binding target for the EU's net-zero technology manufacturing capacity to meet at least 40% of the bloc's annual deployment needs by 2030, with an additional goal of capturing 15% of global market value by 2040.

Technology Focus: It prioritizes 19 strategic net-zero technologies, including solar, wind, batteries and storage, heat pumps, geothermal energy, nuclear, renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and grid infrastructure.

Resilience and Sustainability: The NZIA addresses barriers to scaling up production, such as permitting delays, supply chain vulnerabilities, and skills shortages, while promoting circular economy principles and technological autonomy.

Main Provisions

Permitting and Acceleration: Streamlines regulatory processes for "net-zero strategic projects," setting maximum timelines for permits (e.g., 9-18 months depending on project size) and designating single points of contact in member states to expedite approvals.

Public Procurement and Auctions: Introduces sustainability and resilience criteria for public tenders, requiring at least 30% weighting for factors like environmental impact and supply chain diversity. For auctions (e.g., renewable energy), it allows non-price criteria to make up to 30% of award decisions.

Skills and Innovation: Establishes Net-Zero Europe Academies to train 100,000 workers within three years for key sectors, and supports innovation through regulatory sandboxes and funding under programs like Horizon Europe.

CO2 Storage Target: Specifically for CCUS, it mandates an EU-wide annual CO2 injection capacity of 50 million tonnes by 2030, with contributions from oil and gas producers based on their market share.

Background and Status

Proposed by the European Commission in March 2023 as a response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, the NZIA was politically agreed upon in February 2024 and entered into force on June 29, 2024 (Regulation (EU) 2024/1735). As of early 2026, implementation is underway, with member states required to transpose elements like permitting frameworks by mid-2025. The act aligns with other EU policies, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Renewable Energy Directive, to foster green jobs—potentially creating up to 3 million additional roles—and reduce dependency on imports.

CCUS Sector Spotlight: 

Advancing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage in the EU's Clean Energy Transition

As the EU pushes toward climate neutrality by 2050, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) stands out as a critical technology for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like industry, power generation, and hydrogen production. The recent "Study on circular approaches for a sustainable and affordable clean energy transition," funded by Horizon Europe, dedicates one of its five sector-specific guidelines to CCUS, emphasizing its role in achieving EU climate goals while addressing sustainability challenges.

Key Role in the EU Energy Mix

Decarbonization Potential: CCUS enables the capture of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel-based processes, biogenic sources, or directly from the air (DACCS), followed by utilisation (e.g., in chemicals, fuels, or materials) or permanent geological storage. It's essential for reaching net-zero, with the EU targeting 50 million tonnes of annual CO₂ injection capacity by 2030 under the Net Zero Industry Act.

Alignment with EU Policies: The study links CCUS to frameworks like the European Climate Law, Renewable Energy Directive, Critical Raw Materials Act, and Net Zero Industry Act. It promotes CCUS as a bridge to a circular carbon economy, transitioning from fossil CO₂ to atmospheric or biogenic sources for non-permanent uses.

The Study's Methodological Framework for CCUS

The guidelines offer a flexible, stage-adapted approach to assess CCUS technologies across Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) from lab (TRL 1-4) to market deployment (TRL 7-9). Assessments cover four pillars: environmental, economic, and social sustainability; circularity; EU resilience; and technological autonomy.

Early-Stage (Low TRL): Focus on conceptual design, identifying potential environmental risks (e.g., CO₂ leakage) and resource needs. Use qualitative tools like life-cycle thinking to flag circularity opportunities, such as CO₂ reuse in products.

Mid-Stage (Medium TRL): Incorporate quantitative metrics, including life-cycle assessments (LCA) for GHG emissions and resource efficiency. Evaluate supply chain vulnerabilities, like dependency on critical materials for capture solvents or membranes.

Advanced Stage (High TRL): Conduct full-scale pilots with stakeholder input, assessing social impacts (e.g., community acceptance) and economic viability. Validate resilience through scenario analysis, ensuring EU technological sovereignty by reducing import reliance.

Identified Challenges and Gaps

The study highlights several hurdles in scaling CCUS, urging early interventions to maximize positive impacts:

Resource and Circularity Issues: High demand for materials like amines or sorbents could strain supplies; the guidelines recommend circular strategies, such as recycling capture media and integrating CCUS with renewable energy for lower-energy processes.

Supply Chain Resilience: Global dependencies pose risks; assessments should prioritize EU-sourced innovations to enhance autonomy.

Environmental and Social Impacts: Potential for unintended consequences, like increased water use or land disturbance in storage sites. Social acceptance is key, with calls for transparent risk assessments and community engagement.

Rapid Scale-Up Risks: Accelerating deployment without thorough evaluation could lead to inefficiencies or backlash; the framework advocates continuous monitoring to adapt to technological evolution.

Recommendations and Actionable Approaches

Integrated Assessments: Use LCA and circularity indicators (e.g., material flow analysis) to ensure CCUS contributes to net GHG reductions, avoiding rebound effects.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Draw from consultations in the study, involving industry, researchers, and policymakers to refine guidelines via Horizon Europe projects.

Policy Support: Leverage EU funding for pilots, aiming for a comprehensive CCUS strategy inspired by the Hydrogen Strategy, including targets for removals and compliance markets.

Future Outlook: With EU-wide initiatives like the Innovation Fund supporting CCUS demos, the guidelines aim to bridge lab-to-market gaps, fostering green jobs and reducing import dependencies.

Critics note that while the NZIA provides a framework, it lacks substantial new funding, relying on existing mechanisms like the EU Innovation Fund, which may limit its impact compared to more subsidy-heavy approaches elsewhere. For the latest developments, official EU resources or updates from the Commission are recommended.

Let's accelerate the clean energy transition responsibly! What do you think—ready for a circular, resilient EU energy future? 

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources  

#CleanEnergy #EUGreenDeal #Sustainability

Keeping Up with the Joneses

 

Efekt Jonesa: Želja da se drži korak sa susjedima

Htio bih napisati jedan post vezan za nešto što svakodnevno vidim oko sebe. U suvremenom društvu, gdje materijalni uspjeh često služi kao mjera osobnog ostvarenja, izraz "držati korak sa susjedima" ili "efekt Jonesa" postao je sinonim za duboko ukorijenjenu ljudsku tendenciju socijalne usporedbe. Ovaj fenomen, poznat na engleskom kao "Keeping up with the Joneses", opisuje psihološku i društvenu dinamiku u kojoj pojedinci nastoje uskladiti svoj životni standard s onim svojih vršnjaka, često na račun vlastitog blagostanja. 

Porijeklo izraza seže u 1913. godinu, kada je američki karikaturist Arthur R. Momand stvorio strip serijal pod nazivom Keeping Up with the Joneses, u kojem je ismijavao obitelj koja se očajnički trudi oponašati bogatije susjede. Ovaj moj post  istražuje korijene, uzroke i posljedice ovog efekta, ističući kako on utječe na pojedinca, ekonomiju i društvo u cjelini.
Korijeni efekta Jonesa duboko su usađeni u ljudskoj psihologiji, gdje socijalna usporedba igra ključnu ulogu u oblikovanju ponašanja. Prema teoriji socijalne usporedbe koju je 1954. godine razvio psiholog Leon Festinger, ljudi imaju urođenu potrebu uspoređivati se s drugima kako bi procijenili vlastitu vrijednost i status. Ova tendencija nije samo moderna; ona je evolucijski naslijeđe iz vremena kada je natjecanje za resurse bilo ključno za opstanak. 
Danas se manifestira kroz "konspikuitetnu potrošnju" – vidljivo trošenje na statusne simbole poput automobila, kuća ili luksuznih putovanja – kako bi se projicirala slika uspjeha. Psiholozi ističu da ovakvo ponašanje može dovesti do djelovanja protiv vlastitih interesa: pojedinci često povećavaju potrošnju na trajne robe kada se osjećaju inferiornima u usporedbi s vršnjacima, čak i ako to znači smanjenje izdataka za osnovne potrebe. Na primjer, ako susjedi nabave novi automobil, obitelj može osjetiti pritisak da učini isto, ne uzimajući u obzir dugoročne financijske posljedice. Ova dinamika pojačava se u eri društvenih mreža, gdje se idealizirani prikazi života drugih neprekidno nameću, potičući zavist i neprekidnu želju za više.
S ekonomskog stajališta, efekt Jonesa ima duboke implikacije na individualno i kolektivno blagostanje. Ekonomisti ga povezuju s prekomjernom potrošnjom i akumulacijom duga, jer ljudi nastoje održati privid bogatstva u odnosu na druge. Istraživanja pokazuju da se, kada se pojedinac uspoređuje s onima na sličnom prihodnom nivou, može dogoditi "prekomjerni rad": ljudi rade više nego što bi inače, samo da bi financirali ovu natjecateljsku potrošnju, što u konačnici smanjuje njihovo subjektivno blagostanje. 

U otvorenim ekonomijama, ovaj efekt može utjecati čak i na monetarnu politiku; ekspanzivna mjera može postati "beggar-thyself" politika, gdje se korist pretvara u štetu zbog pojačane socijalne usporedbe. Tijekom ekonomskih kriza, poput Velike recesije 2008. godine, ovaj fenomen može imati paradoksalni učinak: kako se ukupna potrošnja smanjuje, potreba za vidljivim luksuzom opada jer je lakše "držati korak" s osiromašenim susjedima, što dovodi do pada prodaje statusnih dobara. Međutim, u normalnim vremenima, relativno bogatstvo postaje ključno; studije pokazuju da novac utječe na sreću uglavnom negativno, jer oni koji se uspoređuju s bogatijima postaju nesretniji, dok bogati osjećaju samo blagi porast zadovoljstva. Ovo naglašava da je "relativna siromaštvo" često jači faktor od apsolutnog.
Društvene posljedice efekta Jonesa protežu se izvan pojedinca, utječući na cijelo društvo. On potiče nejednakost, jer resursi se preusmjeravaju s produktivnih investicija na statusnu potrošnju, što može usporiti ekonomski rast. 
U kulturama gdje je materijalizam dominantan, ovaj efekt pojačava socijalne podjele: oni koji ne mogu "držati korak" osjećaju se inferiornima, što dovodi do stresa, anksioznosti i smanjenog blagostanja. Primjeri iz literature i pop kulture obiluju; u romanu F. Scotta Fitzgeralda Veliki Gatsby, likovi poput Jay Gatsbyja utjelovljuju ovu opsesiju, gdje je bogatstvo sredstvo za društveno prihvaćanje, ali na kraju dovodi do tragedije. Suvremeno, ovaj fenomen vidi se u fenomenu "influencera" na društvenim mrežama, gdje se lažni prikazi bogatstva šire, potičući masovnu imitaciju.

Teorija socijalne usporedbe, jedna od ključnih paradigma u socijalnoj psihologiji, predstavlja okvir za razumijevanje kako pojedinci procjenjuju sebe kroz usporedbu s drugima. Ovu teoriju je 1954. godine razvio američki psiholog Leon Festinger, u svom seminalnom radu objavljenom u časopisu Human Relations. Prema Festingeru, ljudi imaju urođenu potrebu za samoprocjenom, koja ih potiče na uspoređivanje svojih mišljenja, sposobnosti i stavova s onima drugih osoba, kako bi smanjili nesigurnost i uspostavili jasniju sliku o sebi. Ova dinamika nije samo intelektualna vježba; ona duboko utječe na ponašanje, motivaciju i emocionalno blagostanje, čineći je relevantnom za razumijevanje suvremenih društvenih fenomena poput utjecaja društvenih mreža.
U srži teorije leži pretpostavka da ljudi, u nedostatku objektivnih kriterija za procjenu, traže socijalne reference. Festinger je istaknuo da postoji "pogon prema gore" (unidirectional drive upward), što znači da pojedinci nastoje poboljšati sebe uspoređujući se s onima koji su bolji u određenim područjima. Ova usporedba može biti dvostruka: gore (upward comparison), gdje se uspoređujemo s superiornijima radi inspiracije i motivacije, ili dolje (downward comparison), gdje usporedba s onima koji su inferiorniji služi za podizanje samopouzdanja i osjećaj superiornosti. Na primjer, student koji vidi da njegov kolega postiže bolje rezultate može se motivirati za veći trud, dok bi se netko tko se oporavlja od bolesti mogao uspoređivati s onima u gorem stanju kako bi se osjećao bolje.

Festinger je identificirao dvije glavne kategorije socijalne usporedbe: procjena mišljenja i procjena sposobnosti. U procjeni mišljenja, ljudi uspoređuju svoje stavove i vjerovanja s drugima kako bi utvrdili njihovo valjanost, posebno u situacijama gdje nema jasnih objektivnih dokaza. Primjerice, u političkim raspravama, pojedinac može prilagoditi svoje mišljenje prema većini u svojoj grupi, smanjujući time kognitivnu disonancu – još jedan koncept koji je Festinger kasnije razvio. S druge strane, procjena sposobnosti odnosi se na mjerljive vještine, poput atletskih performansi ili intelektualnih postignuća, gdje usporedba služi za preciznu samoocjenu. Ako nema objektivnih mjerila, poput vremena trčanja ili rezultata testa, ljudi se oslanjaju na socijalne usporedbe, što može dovesti do natjecanja ili suradnje.
Važan aspekt teorije je uvjet da usporedba bude relevantna: ljudi se uspoređuju s onima koji su im slični po relevantnim karakteristikama, poput dobi, statusa ili konteksta. Ako je razlika prevelika, usporedba gubi smisao. Osim toga, teorija naglašava da socijalna usporedba nije uvijek svjesna; ona može biti automatska i utjecati na svakodnevne odluke, od odabira odjeće do karijernih ambicija. Međutim, ova dinamika ima i tamnu stranu: prekomjerna usporedba može dovesti do zavisti, nesretnosti, laži ili čak poremećaja prehrane, jer ljudi nastoje "držati korak" s idealiziranim slikama drugih. U eri društvenih mreža, gdje se prikazuju samo najljepši trenuci života, ova teorija objašnjava porast anksioznosti i depresije među mladima.

Neki moj zaključak.
Efekt Jonesa predstavlja duboku kritiku kapitalističkog društva, gdje je sreća uvjetovana relativnim, a ne apsolutnim uspjehom. Iako je urođen u ljudskoj prirodi, njegove posljedice – od financijskog duga do emocionalnog iscrpljenja – pozivaju na promišljanje. S druge strane, teorija socijalne usporedbe Festingera nudi dubok uvid u ljudsku prirodu, ističući da samopoznavanje nije izolirano, već duboko društveno uvjetovano. Iako može poticati osobni rast i motivaciju, ona također upozorava na opasnosti nekontrolirane usporedbe. U suvremenom svijetu, gdje su reference lako dostupne, ključno je njegovati svjesnost o ovim procesima kako bi se izbjegle zamke i usmjerila energija prema autentičnom razvoju. Ova teorija ostaje temelj za brojna istraživanja u psihologiji, sociologiji i čak marketingu, potvrđujući njezinu trajnu relevantnost.
 Umjesto natjecanja s "Jonesima", možda bi trebalo težiti autentičnom blagostanju: fokusirati se na osobne vrijednosti, odnose i održivu potrošnju. Samo tako možemo prekinuti krug beskrajne usporedbe i pronaći istinsko zadovoljstvo izvan materijalnih lanaca. 
Željko Serdar, Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije.