We are delighted to introduce four new corporate members: HEP Group, our largest electric power company without which the energy transition in Croatia and the region would not be possible; the Hydrocarbon Agency (AZU); Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH); and the Auto Hrvatska Business Group.
Hrvatska elektroprivreda (HEP Group) is the national energy company that has been engaged in the production, distribution, and supply of electricity for more than a century, and in recent decades also in the distribution and supply of thermal energy and natural gas to customers.
Its operations are guided by the mission of sustainable, reliable, and competitive energy production, distribution, and supply, aligned with customer needs and with a high level of social responsibility. HEP’s vision is to become a regional energy leader that, in cooperation with domestic and international institutions and companies, develops technological capabilities, competitive advantages, and innovative business models focused on the future needs of users.
HEP is the successor to 130 years of electricity industry tradition in Croatia and proudly marked the historic event from 1895, when the first complete electricity system, Krka–Šibenik, began operation. In this outstanding engineering achievement, HEP finds inspiration today for addressing the greatest challenge of our time: the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy as a response to climate change. Increasing the share of renewable energy sources, strengthening the grid, and digitalizing the power system are the most important steps on that path.
“Modern challenges in managing energy systems require new competencies, dedication, and continuous improvement. All our experts and employees must participate in this, including more than 2,400 women. Many women, our colleagues, have left a strong mark on HEP’s rich history. I am convinced that in the years to come, their contribution will be even greater and more visible,” said Vice Oršulić, President of the Management Board of HEP.
Considering HEP’s importance and the large number of our members from this company, we are looking forward to future cooperation.
The Hydrocarbon Agency (AZU) was established in 2014 as an operational body of the Government of the Republic of Croatia with the goal of initiating and activating new hydrocarbon exploration and production in Croatia.
The Agency’s activities include systematic operational support to competent authorities in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, geothermal waters for energy purposes, underground gas storage, and permanent carbon dioxide storage in geological structures, as well as responsible, high-quality, and efficient management of mandatory oil and petroleum product reserves.
By consolidating resources under one legal framework, the efficiency of the energy system increases through the reduction of administrative barriers. The undeniable decline in hydrocarbon reserves and the context of the green transition shaped their vision of a real transition toward new forms of energy.
Since 2018, relying on extensive expertise and using oil industry data, AZU has created the foundation for the development of a new green energy market. They participate in innovative projects and create space for investments by changing legal regulations, placing emphasis on renewable energy sources and new technologies recognized by the EU, such as geothermal energy, hydrogen, offshore wind farms, and permanent carbon dioxide storage in geological structures (CCS).
“This membership represents an important step for us in further strengthening the visibility, cooperation, and professional development of women in the energy sector. Our Agency employs a large number of female experts who actively contribute to energy development with their knowledge and experience. We are especially proud that this year our Director of the Geothermal Energy Sector, Martina Tuschl, won the title of Woman of the Year in Energy, further confirming the expertise and leadership of women in our team. We look forward to future cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives that encourage professional development and a stronger role for women in energy,” said Marijan Krpan, President of the Management Board of AZU.
JP Elektroprivreda BiH (EPBiH) is the largest electric power company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a key player in the electricity market, it has a significant role in the region’s energy system.
Its activities include electricity generation, distribution, supply, and trading. Since coal-fired thermal power plants in its portfolio produce nearly 73% of total electricity for end customers, and since the EPBiH group includes as many as seven coal mines, issues of fair and sustainable energy transition are especially important.
EPBiH’s strategic orientation is the construction of new renewable energy plants, including hydroelectric power plants, wind farms, and photovoltaic facilities, and projects for building new green production capacities are being intensively prepared.
The implementation of new capital investments is strategically focused on increasing the flexibility of the energy portfolio and energy efficiency, in line with the company’s mission, vision, and business policies.
This partnership represents an important step in expanding our cooperation across the region. Working with such strong stakeholders enables us to advocate more strongly for a just energy transition, one that takes into account local communities, environmental challenges, and real economic needs.
We will work on exchanging best practices that have proven successful in Croatia and more actively involve women from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy sector in our mentoring and educational programs.
In the context of the gradual phase-out of coal from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity mix, including the perspective of gender equality, greater involvement of women in the energy transition, and social justice is an important part of responsible transformation.
Sanela Jurišić, Member of the Management Board and Executive Director for Economic Affairs at EPBiH, stated:
“It is a great pleasure for me to begin cooperation with XEnergy, a network that brings fresh ideas, knowledge, and extremely useful programs such as mentoring and internship programs. I am convinced that this cooperation will result in concrete initiatives and positive changes and that together we can make a strong contribution to sustainable energy transition in the region. I am especially pleased with XEnergy’s focus on inclusiveness and empowering women in the energy sector. I look forward to working together and exchanging experiences.”
As a new corporate member of the XEnergy network, the Auto Hrvatska Business Group brings a strong contribution to the development of sustainable mobility and the green transition in the region.
As a market leader with many years of experience, the company actively follows and implements ESG principles through the modernization of its portfolio, with a special focus on e-mobility, innovative mobility solutions, and reducing emissions in the transport sector. Their role in transforming the automotive industry toward more sustainable mobility models makes them an important partner in building a low-carbon future.
Auto Hrvatska is the longest-standing company in the automotive industry in this region and a market leader in the sale and maintenance of passenger and commercial vehicles.
With more than 800 employees, the Business Group operates through 12 companies across 30 locations in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia.
In the passenger vehicle segment, it operates through Auto Hrvatska Automobili, specialized in the sale and servicing of passenger and light commercial vehicles at eight locations across Croatia. Customers have access to authorized sales and service centers for brands including Dongfeng, Forthing, BYD, Audi, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, Peugeot, Mazda, Seat, Cupra, Fiat Professional, Renault, and Dacia.
Within the passenger program, the company also includes AUTO HRVATSKA IMPORTER d.o.o., the main importer of Dongfeng and Forthing passenger vehicles and DFSK light commercial vehicles, as well as Auto Hrvatska Mobility, which provides long-term rental services and vehicle contract maintenance for business users.
In the commercial vehicle segment, Auto Hrvatska holds a leading market position as the main importer and service provider for MAN, Neoplan, Otokar, and Ford Trucks.
Auto Hrvatska’s offer also includes a wide range of spare parts, tires, equipment, tools, and additional services such as financing, real estate operations, and insurance contracting, confirming its status as a reliable and professional partner in all segments of the automotive industry.
Welcome to our new members, and we look forward to working together!
