Project cutting emissions in Croatian telecoms sector named as finalist in 2025 European Sustainable Energy Awards

An EU-funded project in Croatia is working to slash emissions in the telecoms sector by implementing cooling and solar power solutions at telecom base stations around the country. 

Implemented by telecoms operator A1 Hrvatska and funded under the EU’s LIFE programme, the LIFE4GREENBROADBAND project offers a blueprint for low-carbon energy solutions, not only throughout the Mediterranean, but also anywhere in Europe.

'This was the first time that a telecommunication company received funds for climate impact,' says Martina Dragičecić, Director of Regulatory Affairs and EU Funding Department at A1 Hrvatska. 'Although the telecommunications industry is not a major polluter, we are a significant consumer of electricity, which is why we are considering various ways to reduce our carbon footprint.'

Over three and a half years, the project installed solar plants at 155 base transceiver stations (BTS) and indoor free cooling solutions at 200 BTS locations across Croatia. This effort resulted in annual energy savings of 1,210,000 kWh across the telecommunications network and an accompanying reduction in CO₂ emissions of 404 tons CO₂.

The project spanned different regions with varied climates, and included locations where 5G network rollouts were planned. This approach helped to ensure that the solutions were tested under diverse conditions. 

'By introducing scalable, forward-thinking and climate adaptable solutions, the project sets a benchmark for sustainability and exemplifies how the telecom sector can pioneer the transition to a low-carbon, energy-efficient future,' Dragičecić points out.

'The project serves as a model for integrating green practices into telecom networks, demonstrating that energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprints, and renewable energy can be implemented effectively without sacrificing performance or service quality,' she adds.

LIFE4GREENBROADBAND was keen to tackle the growing energy impact of broadband network operations and the need for sustainable solutions.

'In Croatia, as in much of Europe, the rapid expansion of broadband networks (e.g., fiber optics, 5G) has led to an increase in energy consumption and carbon emissions. The need to reduce this environmental footprint while maintaining or even enhancing the quality of service and coverage was a key issue,' says Dragičecić.

She said plans were now in place to replicate and expand the results across the network, and beyond: 

'We know that our three A1 Group members in Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria are already applying these solutions by installing solar power plants on base stations.'

The success of the project has encouraged the development of new sustainable initiatives in the company, including wind power plants, advanced battery storage systems, and the installation of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

LIFE4GREENBROADBAND has demonstrated the how free cooling, solar plants and smart energy management software reduce energy use in the telecommunication sector. 

'This can easily be replicated in any moderate and Mediterranean climate, which covers most EU countries,' says Dragičević. 'These technologies and methods are readily available and can be replicated anywhere.'

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders 

LIFE4GREENBROADBAND is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 in the Innovation category. The award recognises outstanding ongoing or recently completed EU-funded projects that show an original and innovative path towards the clean energy transition. The other finalists in this category are the AQUABATTERY project in the Netherlands and the LIFE TURBINES project in Spain and Italy.

AQUABATTERY is driving innovation to commercialise a groundbreaking energy storage solution based on saltwater. LIFE TURBINES is using hydropower to generate electricity by harnessing excess pressure in domestic water supplies.

The European Sustainable Energy Awards ​(EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The nine finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The finalists will be submitted to an online public vote, which is open until 1 June, and the winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony on 10 June 2025. ​ 

EUSEW 2025 

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 10-12 June under the theme of ‘Powering a fair and competitive green transition’. The event will bring together public authorities, industry, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through clean technologies and solutions towards a competitive, fair and just transition both for people and businesses.

Registrations for onsite attendance in Brussels and online participation are  now open.  

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu