Zadar Energija d.o.o. announces its participation in the project European Energy Storage Alliance for innovative interregional investments in renewable energy value chains

Zadar Energija d.o.o. announces its participation in the project European Energy Storage Alliance for innovative interregional investments in renewable energy value chains – ENSA, a European initiative focused on the development, demonstration and market deployment of innovative energy storage solutions.

Over a period of 36 months, the project will bring together energy companies, technology developers, research institutions, regional development agencies and innovation organisations from across Europe to advance practical and commercially viable energy storage solutions.

The project is funded by the European Union under the Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument (I3), Call and Topic I3-2025-INV1. The granting authority is the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), while the project is coordinated by CONSORCIO AGENCIA EXTREMENA DE LA ENERGIA (AGENEX) from Spain. Zadar Energija participates as Beneficiary No. 17 in a consortium comprising 26 beneficiaries and two Associated Partners from 11 EU Member States.

The forthcoming launch of ENSA marks the beginning of three years of European cooperation focused on developing efficient, scalable and commercially viable solutions for storing renewable electricity.

A European investment in innovative energy storage

The total eligible costs of the ENSA project amount to EUR 10,016,948.35, with a maximum EU grant of EUR 7,128,863.84. Zadar Energija d.o.o. has total eligible project costs of EUR 357,863.65, with a maximum EU grant of EUR 250,504.55. The remaining EUR 107,359.10 represents Zadar Energija’s own contribution.

Through this investment framework, ENSA connects technological innovation, renewable energy production, energy storage, investment development and interregional cooperation. The project will support the demonstration and further development of eight innovative energy storage technologies towards market readiness, strengthen the technical and business capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitate, support or launch interregional innovative energy storage investments valued at more than EUR 80 million.

Responding to the growing need for energy storage

The continued expansion of solar and wind energy across Europe is increasing the need for more flexible and reliable energy systems. Renewable electricity production depends on weather conditions and does not always coincide with periods of highest electricity demand.

At the same time, electricity grids and existing storage infrastructure are not developing at the same pace as renewable energy production. Consequently, part of the electricity generated from renewable sources may not be absorbed by the grid or used efficiently.

Energy storage solutions make it possible to store surplus electricity and use it when required, contributing to grid stability, reducing fluctuations in renewable electricity production and supporting peak-load management, energy communities, smart grids and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

ENSA will address these challenges by bringing together companies, researchers, public authorities and regional organisations capable of advancing innovative technologies towards practical application and wider market deployment.

Strategic importance for Zadar Energija

For Zadar Energija d.o.o., participation in ENSA represents an opportunity to strengthen its position within the European energy storage sector and expand its expertise from renewable energy production towards the integration of advanced storage solutions.

With experience in operating more than 440 MW of wind and solar capacity across Croatia, Zadar Energija is increasingly focused on the role that energy storage can play in improving grid stability and supporting new energy applications.

Participation in ENSA will provide the company with access to a European network of

technology developers, research institutions, renewable energy operators and innovation

organisations, enabling the exchange of knowledge and practical experience and the assessment of advanced storage technologies for potential application within the Croatian energy market.

Preparing for the start of implementation

In preparation for the official project launch, ENSA partners are establishing the foundations for three years of cooperation focused on technology demonstration, knowledge exchange, capacity building, market development and investment mobilisation.

Participation in ENSA will strengthen Zadar Energija’s technical and organisational capacities, expand its international network and support its further development within the European renewable energy and energy storage sector.

The ENSA project will officially begin on 1 October 2026 and will run until 30 September 2029.