LEGAL REGULATION OF USE OF THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

In this paper the author analysis legal framework of the use of renewable sources of energy in the Republic of Croatia. Renewable sources of energy have been identified as a viable alternative to traditional sources. This goes to energy supply in general as well as in the domestic and regional context. The author emphasizes numerous advantages of using renewable energy sources - from economic to environmental. In order to support this hypothesis, the author quotes various relevant binding legal instruments that regulate use of the renewable energy sources including Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament. Underlining the potential that Republic of Croatia has with regard to the extended use of renewable energy sources (the power of wind, sun, water etc.), the author points at some lacunae that have been identified within the domestic strategic framework and its implementation. This particularly goes for strengthening administrative capacities in order to increase funding of relevant projects through EU structural funds. Further improvement of these capacities should lead to the increase in the use of renewable energy sources in the Republic of Croatia. This would be possible only through full harmonization of domestic legislation with EU legal framework, reducing the bureaucracy, facilitating procedures of issuing relevant certificates etc. As an example of countries that aligned their legal framework to the European standards and significantly improved their practices, the author refers to some EU countries with well developed systems of use of the renewable energy sources. In concluding remarks, the author points out potential advantages of use of the land that has not been cultivated for planting some agricultural products that can be used as a biofuel.