Željko Tukša
Episode · #294
MOTORI RASTA Željko Tukša
Guest Željko TukšaHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026
Željko Tukša
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
When a company with a century-long legacy in heavy electrical engineering turns its focus to renewable energy, the conversation shifts from raw power to nuanced impact. Željko Tukša, President of the Management Board at KONČAR – Inženjering za energetiku i transport, offers a perspective grounded in real-world infrastructure projects, not just policy papers. His company has been at the forefront of building and equipping power plants globally, giving him a unique vantage point on the subtle differences that truly matter in the energy transition. You'll walk away understanding that definitions like 'small' versus 'large' energy aren't always what they seem, and that even a strong domestic product can struggle against market tides.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Končar’s Pometno Brdo wind farm, its sole self-built project, featured over 80% Croatian-made components. Even high domestic content and technical capability don't guarantee market success if the timing and competitive landscape are against you. Sometimes, being ready isn't enough if the market isn't ready for your specific offering.
02
Končar stands as one of only four or five companies in the world that manufactures wind turbines. Rarity in manufacturing doesn't assure market leadership; staying current means adapting to evolving trends, such as the market's demand for increasingly larger turbine capacities.
03
Croatia has installed nearly 800 megawatts of wind power, contributing over 15% to its total energy capacity and meeting EU renewable energy directives. Meeting ambitious energy targets can be achieved through a distributed portfolio of diverse renewable sources, rather than relying solely on large-scale, single-technology projects.
04
The distinction between "small" and "large" hydroelectric plants, Končar notes, is not technical or even solely about power output, but primarily about their environmental footprint. When categorizing energy projects, the real dividing line isn't just capacity; it’s the scale of ecological impact that determines how a technology is ultimately perceived and regulated.
05
Large hydroelectric plants significantly affect the "complete ecosystem" and microclimate, while small hydro projects have "almost negligible" environmental impact. The true measure of a renewable energy source's viability often lies in its minimal disruption to natural systems, making localized impact a more important metric than raw power output.
06
Končar has built dozens of hydroelectric plants globally and supplied core equipment for over a hundred others. A deep, established track record in traditional energy infrastructure provides a strong foundation of trust and technical expertise, enabling a smooth transition into newer, related renewable technologies.