Croatia, Topusko: The planned AI data centre project Pantheon AI in Topusko will first require major energy infrastructure development, with construction of transmission lines and a substation expected to begin in Q4 2027. The investment is estimated at $466–524 M (€400–450 M).
At a first media briefing, project lead Mario Gudelj and Bruno Štambak, Executive Director of Dalekovod Group, confirmed that financing for the infrastructure is secured and not an issue. They also reiterated plans for initial data centre operations to begin in early 2029.
The infrastructure plan includes four 400 kV transmission lines with a total length of around 300 km and a substation that will be the largest in Croatia, to be handed over to the national transmission operator HOPS.
The system is designed to ensure a high level of security of supply for the data centre, which is expected to require around 1 GW of power. Each of the four lines is designed to handle approximately 1.3 GW capacity.
Gudelj said the electricity will not be sourced directly from the Croatian market, but secured through long-term contracts, including agreements with renewable energy producers such as Greenvolt and other private providers. The plan is to rely mainly on solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower, along with battery storage systems.
He added that the project could support integration of more than 5 GW of additional renewable capacity in Croatia and that it would not increase electricity prices or create shortages in the national system.
Štambak said the infrastructure project is within their expertise and will ultimately be transferred to HOPS for operation. An environmental impact study is currently underway and expected to be completed in the coming months.
Source: Poslovni.hr
