Rational use of energy mineral resources in croatia and their role in sustainable development

Oil and natural gas are still the main energy resources in most countries of the world, and it is predicted that this trend will follow at least until the fifth decade of the century. In Croatia oil and natural gas meet around 70% of total energy demands. Croatia is one of the countries with part of energy supply from domestic reserves production. Unfortunately, a percentage of supply from domestic reserves in total Croatian energy demand is decreasing and it is currently around 25% for oil and 40% for natural gas. The risk of insufficient energy resources supply is growing and consequently it can have a negative effect on national economy growth and social standard. Rational use of energy resources considers measures for improving energy efficiency in energy production and transformation, but also measures for rational use of end users. The fact is that Croatia spends 2 to 3 time more energy for unit of gross national product than the majority of European countries particularly those often used for comparison with, Croatia (Austria, Norway, Slovenia). That means higher risk of insufficient energy resources supply, higher production costs, problem of product and service competitiveness on European and world market but also higher environmental impact. The proposed paper will include analysis of objective and subjective factors that determine intensity of energy consumption and efficiency comparing Croatia with some specific countries.