ZGRADONAČELNIK Maja Jurišić

Guest Maja JurišićHosted by Tin BašićMay 3, 2026

Maja Jurišić

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The notion of 'energy transition' often conjures images of engineers, complex grids, and policy debates. But for Maja Jurišić, President of Pokret otoka (Island Movement) and a board member of the Dalmatian Energy Agency, the real work happens at a far more human scale: explaining kilowatt-hours to a diverse island population, from seasoned fishermen to young families. She navigates the tension between long-term sustainability goals and the immediate financial pressures that drive real-world adoption. Jurišić's unique vantage point — as a non-engineer simplifying complex concepts for everyday people — reveals how to translate abstract policy into concrete action. Her insights highlight the critical role of community involvement, the unexpected catalysts for change, and the often-overlooked infrastructure challenges that determine the pace of progress. You'll walk away understanding that systemic shifts begin not with grand pronouncements, but with relatable explanations and a deep understanding of human motivation.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

For seven years, Pokret otoka advocated for energy transition, but it was only "in the last year, since the bills went wild" that public interest truly surged. Even when the mission is long-term sustainability, an immediate financial incentive often proves to be the most effective driver for mass adoption.

Maja Jurišić, a non-engineer, simplifies "energy transition" into three core areas: efficiency, renewables, and electromobility. When you need to convey a complex shift to a broad audience, start by defining it with three clear, actionable pillars, not technical jargon.

When discussing energy, most people immediately think about production, but Maja Jurišić consistently points out that "the most money is actually hidden in savings." Before investing in new energy sources, the most effective step is often to first reduce what you consume.

Beyond new technologies and policies, Maja Jurišić stresses that energy transition will bring "major changes in our behavior." The success of any large-scale societal shift depends as much on changing daily habits and consumer choices as it does on infrastructure or legislation.

Pokret otoka works with local governments to plan new infrastructure projects by considering their future environmental impact from the outset. Sustainable development is not a separate initiative; it is an integrated approach to every new plan.

Many islanders want to produce their own electricity, but Maja highlights that the existing grid "is not at all ready" to accept such a massive influx of new production. The biggest challenge in a systemic transition often isn't individual willingness or available technology, but the outdated infrastructure that must adapt.

Maja Jurišić emphasizes that "we are all in a transition at this moment, not just us as citizens, but absolutely everyone from beginning to end." When facing a complex, unfamiliar societal shift, recognizing that all stakeholders are learning together can foster a more collaborative and empathetic approach.

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