From KONČAR to Flex: Meet the First Speakers at This Year’s Green Energy Fair

Green Energy Fair is coming to Arena Zagreb on October 28 and 29, bringing a conference programme that has been elevated to an even higher level, both in terms of content and the profile of its speakers. Alongside topics already shaping the future of the energy sector, such as rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence and data centres, GEF will also address the ideal energy mix of today and tomorrow, including the need for modern nuclear energy technologies. Announced projects such as Pantheon further demonstrate how future economic development will depend on robust energy infrastructure, security of supply and system flexibility.

First Conference Speakers Announced

The professional programme will open with Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Industry Association BSW-Solar. In his opening presentation, he will offer an insight into one of Europe’s most developed solar markets and address the future direction of the solar industry and the role of photovoltaics in the European energy system.

One of the central formats will be the CEO Forum, a discussion with executives leading companies that play a key role in the development of Croatia’s energy sector and economy. The organisers have announced Gordana Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR, as the first speaker, with additional names to be revealed in the coming weeks.

The programme will also have a strong international dimension through a panel featuring ambassadors from four countries that significantly shape the European and global energy landscape. They will discuss how their countries approach security of supply, new generation capacity, renewable energy sources, infrastructure and the long-term energy mix. The first confirmed participant is Javed Patel, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Croatia, while the remaining countries will be announced soon.

Battery energy storage systems will have a prominent place in the programme, as they are rapidly evolving from a technological topic into one of the key components of a modern power system. Their role in the grid, regulation, ancillary services markets and monetisation opportunities will be discussed, among others, by Anton Marušić, President of the Management Board of HEP ODS, and Dr Renata Rubeša, Member of the Management Board of HOPS.

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• Green Energy Fair: Zagreb to Once Again Become a Regional Hub for the Energy Transition in Late October

A special place in the programme is reserved for the younger generation of energy professionals. Among them is Vjekoslav Salapić, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and co-CEO of the German energy start-up Flexa, whose virtual power plant system connects more than 60,000 users. A Croatian expert, Salapić has continued his career in one of Europe’s most dynamic energy markets.

The programme will also showcase projects that are already building the future. One of them is the SE Promina solar power plant, the largest solar power plant project in Croatia, featuring highly demanding power infrastructure and a substation being constructed as part of the project.

IBC SOLAR Named General Partner of Green Energy Fair 2026

The general partner of this year’s event is IBC SOLAR, one of Europe’s established companies in the solar industry. Its involvement further underlines the event’s international ambitions and its positioning as a meeting place for Croatia’s and the region’s energy sectors.

Green Energy Fair also enjoys strong support from the public and institutional sectors. Patrons and partners include the President of the Republic of Croatia, the Zagreb City Assembly, the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, and the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Economy. The organisers have also announced several new partnerships that will further expand the event’s significance for Zagreb and Croatia beyond the energy sector itself, with the aim of making GEF a platform that brings new international connections, knowledge, visibility and content to Croatia and the wider community.

Bringing the Energy Transition Closer to the Youngest

A dedicated educational and STEM programme will be organised for children and young people. Through age-appropriate workshops for everyone from kindergarten to secondary school, topics such as energy, technology, sustainability and engineering will be presented in an engaging and practical way. The programme is being developed in partnership with the MUZZA association and Formula Student Alpe Adria.

New speakers, international participants, panels and partnerships will be announced gradually in the lead-up to the event. Admission to Green Energy Fair on October 28 and 29 at Arena Zagreb is free, with prior registration required via the official website.

Energy Portal