“Hrvoje Požar” Awards Ceremony Held

On Friday, July 4, 2025, in the ceremonial setting of the Library of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), the 30th annual awards ceremony of the “Hrvoje Požar” Foundation of the Croatian Energy Association was held. The annual award is presented for outstanding contributions to the professional and scientific development of energy, for implemented projects of rational energy management, innovations, and for the popularization of science. The award is also granted to students in energy-related fields for excellent academic achievement and particularly notable diploma theses. It is named in honor of Academician Hrvoje Požar, long-time Secretary General of HAZU (1978–1991), who made an immeasurable contribution to the development of energy science and policy in Croatia.

The ceremony began with a welcoming address by the President of HAZU, Academician Velimir Neidhardt, who reminded those present of the importance of Hrvoje Požar’s legacy, highlighting his key role in shaping Croatian energy policy and expressing hope that Požar’s ideas would continue to inspire future generations. Also addressing the audience were the President of the Croatian Energy Association, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sc. Ivan Andročec, and Julije Domac, advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia and grandson of Hrvoje Požar. Among the guests was Mrs. Snježana Požar, daughter of Hrvoje Požar.

The recipient of the annual “Hrvoje Požar” Award in the category for significant professional and scientific activity in the development of energy is Branko Vuk, PhD, for his measurable contribution to the preparation and development of the energy balance and statistics of the Republic of Croatia, particularly through the publication “Energy in Croatia,” as well as his broader impact at the regional and global level, and for the transfer of knowledge and experience contributing to the understanding and development of the energy sector.

The recipient of the annual “Hrvoje Požar” Award in the category for innovation in the field of energy is the company Končar – Electric Vehicles, for the Battery Electric Multiple Unit. Končar made a significant step forward in sustainable mobility by presenting the first Croatian battery electric multiple unit (BEMU), developed entirely with domestic expertise. This technological innovation enables environmentally friendly rail transport on non-electrified lines without the need for additional infrastructure investments, thereby contributing to decarbonization and sustainable transport. The award was accepted on behalf of the company by mr. Josip Ninić, President of the Management Board of Končar – Electric Vehicles.

The recipient of the annual “Hrvoje Požar” Award in the category for an implemented project of rational energy management and for improving environmental quality related to energy facilities is the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. The Fund makes a significant contribution to Croatia’s energy transition through public calls and financial incentives, with particular emphasis on the energy renovation of houses and co-financing of solar power plants. In addition to concrete measures, it also conducts public education on the importance of energy efficiency and environmental protection. The award, accepted by mr. Luka Balen, Director of the Fund, confirms its comprehensive and successful approach to sustainable development.

The recipient of the annual “Hrvoje Požar” Award in the category for the popularization of energy is the association XEnergy. XEnergy is a non-profit association that promotes the role of women in the energy transition through mentoring, education, and networking. It launched the XENA – Woman of the Year in Energy award and has become a recognized leader in promoting gender equality in the sector. Its activities have enabled numerous women to develop their careers, acquire new knowledge, and strengthen their professional networks. The award was accepted by the founders of the association: Nela Vlahinić, President; Nina Dusper Sušić, Vice President; and Martina Biondić, Secretary.

The recipient of the annual “Hrvoje Požar” Award in the category for notable achievement during studies in energy and energy-related fields in the final year of undergraduate and graduate university studies is Filip Novotny. According to Professor Davor Grgić, Filip demonstrated exceptional dedication, diligence, and high academic performance from his first year of study, as evidenced by the Josip Lončar Award for excellent academic achievement at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb. Throughout his studies, he consistently ranked at the very top by grade point average. His chosen fields of activity are power engineering and nuclear energy, confirming a serious approach and expertise in complex areas of key importance for the future of the energy sector. This award recognizes his continuous effort and commitment in a demanding field, as well as his outstanding academic achievements to date.

For particularly notable diploma theses in the field of energy, Petar Labura and Jakov Rastija were awarded.
Petar Labura received the award for his diploma thesis entitled “Development of a Tool for Advanced Distribution Network Management Based on Machine Learning,” supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Tomislav Capuder at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb. The energy transition and integration of new technologies impose high demands on power system operators, especially in monitoring network states, which due to low observability represent a major challenge. In his work, the student developed an innovative model based on machine learning methods that overcomes the problem of unknown network topological connectivity and enables precise system state analysis using available data, without the need for additional costly measurement infrastructure.
Jakov Rastija was awarded for his diploma thesis entitled “Analysis of the Impact of HVDC Transmission Integration on Rotor Angle and Voltage Stability of the Transmission Network,” supervised by Prof. Dr. Sc. Predrag Marić at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology in Osijek. In his work, Jakov Rastija explored how the introduction of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission affects key aspects of power system stability: transient, oscillatory, and voltage stability. Through detailed simulations and technical analysis, he provided important insights into the behavior of the transmission network under the influence of new technologies. His contribution is particularly significant in the context of modernizing power grids and integrating renewable energy sources, and the results of his work are applicable to the design of more reliable and resilient electricity transmission systems.

In his closing address, the President of the Croatian Energy Association emphasized that the energy sector is undergoing accelerated transformation, with growing electrification, renewable energy sources, and digital solutions, while also warning of challenges related to energy security and affordability. Successful transition requires greater investment, flexible market solutions, and strong involvement of citizens and entrepreneurs. The new system must be sustainable, affordable, and resilient to future challenges. He particularly highlighted the importance of education and cooperation, which was evident at the “Hrvoje Požar” Foundation awards ceremony, attended by numerous experts, scientists, and representatives of the academic community. In conclusion, he announced that all these topics will be at the center of the 34th Forum of the Croatian Energy Association – Energy Day, which will be held on December 2 this year.