As part of the graduate course Energy Policy Analysis and Modelling, we organized a professional study trip for our second-year master’s students. The goal of the visit was to provide students with hands-on insights into real-world energy infrastructures and contemporary operational practices in the Croatian power system.
During the excursion, students had the opportunity to visit several key facilities:
- Hydropower Plant Ozalj (HE Ozalj)
Students learned about the plant’s historical development, operational principles, and the role of hydropower within the national energy mix. Colleagues from HEP provided detailed explanations of turbine operation, dispatching procedures, and modern monitoring systems used to ensure safe and reliable production. - Biomass Cogeneration Plant BE-TO Karlovac
At the biomass CHP facility, students were introduced to sustainable heat and electricity production from locally sourced biomass. The BE-TO team explained fuel preparation, combustion technology, emission control, and the importance of cogeneration for increasing overall energy efficiency. - Substation Ozalj 25/10 kV and Substation Dubovac 110/10(20)/10 kV
Through guided tours of these substations, students gained a clearer understanding of transmission and distribution system topology, transformer configurations, protection systems, and the practical challenges of maintaining grid stability. HEP experts walked them through operational safety procedures and real-time system control.
The visit provided valuable practical experience, complementing the theoretical concepts covered in class and strengthening students’ understanding of how energy policies interact with technical, economic, and operational aspects of the power system.