The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund is the winner of this year's "Hrvoje Požar" award presented by the Croatian Energy Company for the 30th time. The award is given in honour of academician Hrvoje Požar, a prominent scientist and former Secretary General of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, whose work and vision have left a deep mark in the field of energy.
The award was presented to the Fund in the category for the implemented rational energy management project and improvement of the quality of the environment related to energy facilities. This significant recognition confirms the key role of the Fund in the implementation of measures that strongly contribute to Croatia's energy transition – especially through public calls and financial incentives for energy renovation of houses and the installation of solar power plants. In addition to specific measures, the Fund systematically educates citizens about the importance of energy efficiency and environmental protection, promoting a sustainable and responsible frame of mind towards natural resources.
The award was received at the award ceremony by the director of the Fund, Luka Balen, who said: "We are extremely proud to have received this recognition because it comes from experts and is based on real, measurable results. The Fund is not only a source of financing, but a partner to citizens, entrepreneurs and the local community in the implementation of concrete projects that bring savings, increase energy efficiency and contribute to the preservation of the environment. We believe that clear-cut and available measures are the basis for a successful energy transition, and our goal remains – a more energy independent and sustainable future."
The award ceremony was organised by the Croatian Energy Society and the "Hrvoje Požar" Foundation, and it opened with an address by the president of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Academician Velimir Neidhardt, who reminded of the vast contribution of academician Hrvoje Požar to the development of energy in Croatia. Another address was made by the Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia for Energy and Climate, Julije Domac, PhD, who is the grandson of the late academician Požar. On behalf of the family, he thanked for keeping alive the memory of his grandfather’s work alive, pointing out that the award that bears his name not only pays tribute to the past, but also encourages excellence and innovation in the energy sector, just as Academician Požar did throughout his life.
In addition to the “Hrvoje Požar” award, the Fund was also presented with other awards for exceptional contribution to the professional and scientific development of the energy sector, innovation and popularisation of science. Among this year's laureates are Branko Vuk, PhD, Končar – Electric Vehicles, XEnergy Association, student Filip Novotny, and graduates Petar Labura and Jakov Rastija. In his concluding address, the President of the Croatian Energy Society, associate professor Ivan Andročec, PhD, emphasised that the energy transition requires investments, cooperation and the involvement of all stakeholders. He especially pointed out the importance of education and cooperation, which was evident at the award ceremony of the Hrvoje Požar Foundation, in the presence of numerous experts, scientists, and representatives of the academic community. In conclusion, he announced that all these topics would be at the centre of the 34th Forum of the Croatian Energy Company - Energy Day, to be held in December this year.
