Regional Broadband Infrastructure Development

Zagreb: Sava River Regulation and Development

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Project Financing

WBIF Grant WB8-HR-ENE-11 € 1,507,500
EBRD Loan € 500,000,000
Other Own Contribution € 698,500,000
Total € 1,200,007,500
Total Grants € 1,507,500
Total Loans € 500,000,000

Project Description

Overflows on the Sava River, such as those registered in 2010 and 2014, significantly affected Zagreb and neighbouring settlements. This project concerns an ambitious river regulation programme for the Sava, which would consider the entire river length from the border with Slovenia to Zagreb. The flood protection schemes are intertwined with hydropower generation facilities, waterways transport, and improved urban and state land use following the reclamation of currently flooded areas.

The WBIF has provided EU grant assistance for assessment of options by means of a detailed feasibility study, including conceptual design and strategic environmental impact assessment. The chosen option provides for: construction of 10 hydropower plants (HPPs) on the Sava, in Croatia; connecting the existing Sava-Odra Canal with the Sava River into the Sava-Sava Canal (the Canal); reconstruction of the Jankomir spillway; construction of 17 new bridges (10 on HPPs, 7 crossing the Canal); and the reconstruction of 6 bridges on the Sava-Odra Canal.

Public consultations on the selection options are currently ongoing, with funding provided by Program Sava. Croatia intends to apply for EU funds for the co-financing of the programme.

Results and Benefits

  • ensure flood protection of the wider Zagreb area and relieves flooding at Odransko polje, through the completion of the Sava-Odra-Sava relief channel
  • the riverbed and watercourse regulation will provide a desirable water level in the river; in this way, groundwater levels will be maintained, drinking water supply to the City of Zagreb and its surrounding area will be secured
  • maintaining surface and groundwater quality as well as the quality of lentic waters in the hinterland
  • restoration of flora and fauna, along with the preservation of natural values
  • air quality improvement
  • energy utilisation of the hydropower potential will meet approximately 23% of the electricity demand of the City of Zagreb
  • making available land of about 350 ha (from the previous river flood margins) for urban and state development, landscaping and improved land use along the Sava River in the centre of the city
  • revitalisation of natural characteristics of Sava river and basin and construction of social infrastructure – culture, sports and recreation facilities
  • increase the North-South traffic connections of the city of Zagreb and Zagreb county
  • Countries: Croatia
  • Code: PRJ-HRV-ENE-004
  • Sector: Energy
  • Lead IFI: EBRD
  • Status: Preparation
  • Beneficiary: Ministry of Economy
Project financing split
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Partner Financial Organisations

Western Balkans Partners