EU-funded wave energy hydrogen project underway in Croatia

September 23, 2025, by Zerina Maksumić

A project at Zigljen Port on Croatia’s island of Pag is advancing the use of wave energy for green hydrogen production under the North Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform (NACHIP).

Zigljen Port on Croatia’s island of Pag. Source: NACHIP

The “Innovative Green Hydrogen Production from Wave Energy in Zigljen Port (Novalja)” project, led by Leonitus, is valued at €5.4 million and represents the first initiative of its kind in Europe within the NACHIP framework.

According to NACHIP, the technology combines submerged absorbers and dissipators to convert wave motion into compressed air and hydrogen with a 1 MW capacity. The system features year-round storage with emphasis on winter output. A multifunctional breakwater protects the port from erosion, integrates solar generation and a sea vaporizer, and supports shellfish farming.

The project applies circular economy principles, using fully recyclable materials. Generated energy and distilled water will serve both port operations and the local community. Goals include reducing fossil fuel reliance in coastal tourism and maritime transport, strengthening Pag’s economy, and positioning Novalja as a replicable model for Mediterranean regions.

Implementation is underway within the EU’s I3 instrument.

NACHIP consists of twelve partners from Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, led by Slovenia’s Institut Jozef Stefan. Other participants include META Group, META Circularity, FER Zagreb, Leonitus, Serichim, Faber, ECUBES, KSSENA, ETRA, DOK-ING, and the Municipality of Velenje.

The €10.5 million NACHIP program is co-financed by the EU through the Interregional Innovation Investments I3 Instrument and implemented by EISMEA under the European Regional Development Fund. Of this, €7.6 million comes from EU grants, covering 70 percent of costs.

Nearly 80% of funds are allocated to hydrogen technology development and SME support in Eastern Slovenia and central and Mediterranean Croatia. The program runs from September 2024 to August 2027.