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Environmental information systems
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Location | Zadar, Croatia |
Initiation date | The project started in 2022 and was executed in 2023. |
Sector setting | Zadar General Hospital is a public county hospital in Zadar, Croatia (Dalmatia region). It serves as the main regional referral hospital, including a Polyclinic building where the PV arrays were installed. |
Supportive stakeholders | Local authorities, health staff, media and community organizations [1] [2] |
Mitigation initiative
The aim of the project was to reduce the hospital's carbon footprint and energy costs by generating clean electricity on-site, as the hospital consumes approximately 7.5 GWh of electricity annually.
The key activities included site assessment and planning for a solar PV system on the Polyclinic building, public tendering and contractor selection (Q1–Q2 2023), installation of 610 rooftop PV panels and inverters (Q3–Q4 2023), integration into the building’s power system and commissioning (Q1 2024), awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement, including public consultations, press releases, and media coverage. [1] [2]
The initiative installed a 220 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) power plant on the Polyclinic building. The array comprises 610 solar panels (total area ≈1,111 m²) feeding four inverters, which is expected to generate about 279,063 kWh/year (≈19.1% of the Poly-clinic’s electricity). This renewable generation displaces grid electricity, cutting CO₂ emissions by roughly 65.3 t/year. The goal was to reduce electricity costs (~18–19% less grid power) and reinvest savings in hospital services. Its value proposition is detailed below.
Implementation was led by General Hospital Zadar with funding from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and national co-financing under the EU “Energy and Climate Change” program. Procurement was carried out under public tender (announced March 2023) and contract (June 2023). [1] [2]
GHG emission reduction measures
Scope 1
Regarding direct fuel use, the hospital’s on-site fuel use (backup generators) remains largely unchanged. However, any diesel generator usage would be reduced somewhat due to the added PV supply. No major new combustive equipment was added.
Scope 2 - Reducing emissions from purchased electricity
Regarding electricity measures, on-site solar PV directly offsets purchased electricity. The 279 MWh/year of renewable generation cuts the hospital’s Scope 2 emissions by ~65 tCO₂/year. [2]
Scope 2
The project contributed to Scope 3 emission reductions by sourcing installation services and equipment locally, thereby minimizing upstream transport-related emissions. Additionally, through public consultations and awareness campaigns, the initiative fostered broader community engagement and encouraged the adoption of renewable energy by other institutions—creating indirect downstream climate benefits. [2] [3]
Key learnings
A clear governance structure helped keep the project on track. The hospital established a dedicated team with project management, technical and EU funding expertise to manage planning, procurement and implementation. Early attention to procurement requirements supported compliance and timely tendering, with the contract signed within around three months. A key lesson is that procurement, technical planning and construction schedules need to be aligned from the outset, particularly when installing PV panels on an operating hospital where safety, roof suitability, and continuity of services must be carefully managed. [2] [3]
Stakeholder communication and financing were also central lessons. Public consultations, media events and regular information-sharing helped make the operational and environmental benefits visible to staff, local businesses and the wider community. The project also shows how EEA/Norwegian Grants, combined with national co-financing, can help public healthcare institutions overcome upfront capital barriers for technically mature mitigation measures. In this case, targeted grant funding helped move the hospital from sustainability ambition to operational delivery when financing, procurement and technical planning were aligned. [1] [2] [3]
Initiative outcomes
Evidence of Success
The solar power plant generates about 279,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, covering 19% of the Polyclinic building’s electricity needs. This has reduced the hospital’s Scope 2 emissions by approximately 65 t of CO₂ per year. The project was completed on time (2023–2024) and within the budget of €261,000. [1] [2]
Co-benefits
Preliminary data from the first year indicate an electricity cost reduction of approximately 18–19%, with potential for ongoing savings that could ease the hospital’s operational budget. It also contributed to improved local air quality by cutting fossil-based electricity use and reducing diesel generator reliance. The initiative boosted renewable energy awareness among staff and the community, enhancing the hospital’s sustainability reputation and providing a replicable model for other healthcare facilities. [2] [3]
References
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This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.
Exclusion of liability
This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.