CROATIA’S ENERGY FUTURE AND GAS SUPPLY

The characteristics of the contemporary energy markets are analyzed, as well the use of oil, gas and electricity. Europe’s energy supply, the new cycle of the politicization of energetics, the role of gas in European energetics, and several contemporary dilemmas regarding European energetics following the consolidation of the energy companies via mergers and takeovers are discussed. The shares of energy consumption in Croatia, the share of gas, the position of natural gas as the basis for the future development of Croatian energetics as well as the relative cost of energy sources and the price of gas in Croatia are analyzed. It is concluded that the period of cheap energy is behind us and that energy projects can and must not only be the means for insuring the necessary amounts energy for future economic development but also an opportunity for the development of Croatian companies.