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The main aim of the Croatian pilot case was the integration of the EE1st (Energy Efficiency First) principle into transmission system planning and the related cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of transmission grid investment projects.
The Croatian pilot case facilitated compliance with the provisions of Article 3 of the EED (Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/1791) regarding the assessment of planning and major investment decisions made by the Transmission System Operator (TSO). Moreover, the pilot provided a methodological basis for the implementation of Article 27 of the EED, which requires that TSOs apply the EE1st principle in network planning, network development and investment decisions, and that the National Regulatory Authority verifies that alternatives and wider societal benefits are properly assessed.
More specifically, the pilot case aimed to:
- Assess to what extent the existing planning and CBA methodologies comply with EE1st requirements;
- Identify necessary improvements in planning procedures and CBA practice;
- Clarify roles and responsibilities of the TSO and the National Regulatory Authority in implementing EE1st.
In addition to a review of the existing CBA methodology applied by the Croatian TSO (HOPS), the pilot case tested the practical application of the EE1st principle on the assessment of a grid investment project (a representative 220 kV high-voltage transmission line revitalisation project). This was done by comparing the CBA previously done for this investment project, with a new assessment using a revised methodology aligning with EE1st.
Overall, the pilot concluded that, while targeted improvements in CBA methodology are useful, the upstream planning and scenario development (i.e. the NECP – National Energy and Climate Plan) play the central role in implementing the EE1st principle in transmission infrastructure. Integrating flexibility, storage and demand-side measures more explicitly at the planning stage would allow reinforcement needs to be better optimised before individual investment decisions (i.e. at project level) are assessed.
DOWNLOAD THE PILOT CASE FACTSHEET
Look at the PROCEEDINGS of the workshop “Plugging Energy Efficiency First in CBA Why and How”, where the pilot case was presented, together with the ENEFIRST Plus’ guidance and tool for CBA.