15.06.2026.
An expert workshop "Application of battery storage systems in the power system" was held at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek (FERIT). The event brought together representatives of the academic community, the energy sector, public administration, and the economy to exchange insights regarding the role of battery storage in the energy transition and the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the electric power system.Participants were welcomed in an opening address by Mirko Budiša, deputy director of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. "Production from renewable sources alone is no longer sufficient for the stability of the grid. We need energy storage systems that ensure the stability of the power system", Budiša pointed out, and announced new public calls of the Fund, which will include battery storage systems in addition to RES, as well as special programmes for households at risk of energy poverty.
Participants were also addressed by Dragan Vulin, PhD, deputy mayor of the City of Osijek, Suzana Kovačić, head of the Administrative Department for Physical Planning, Construction and Property Relations of the Osijek-Baranja County, and professor Tomislav Matić, dean of FERIT.
In the working part of the programme, the representative of the Fund, Aleksandar Halvanja from the Department for Systematic Energy Management, held a presentation "Encouraging energy efficiency projects and the use of RES", presenting the current possibilities of financing and support for projects that contribute to the green transition of the Croatian economy.
During the professional part of the workshop, lectures were held on the need for the development of battery storage systems in the Croatian power system, technological trends in the field of stationary battery storage, design and implementation of battery systems and experiences from Slovenia. The key role of battery storage in increasing the flexibility of the power system, integrating renewables and ensuring grid stability was highlighted.
The programme ended with a panel discussion attended by representatives of the Fund, HEP ODS, HOPS, the business sector and the academic community. Panel participants agreed that battery storage systems will play a vital role in a reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the next decade. For their faster development, the synergy of all stakeholders is necessary - from state institutions and system operators to investors, the scientific community, and end users.
This workshop further confirmed the importance of continuous investment in knowledge, innovation and new energy technologies. In this process, the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund remains a key partner in projects that contribute to the achievement of the energy transition and sustainable development goals of the Republic of Croatia.
