Robert Fabek
Episode · #455
ZGRADONAČELNIK Robert Fabek
Guest Robert FabekHosted by Tin BašićMay 3, 2026
Robert Fabek
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The current energy crisis has forced governments into unprecedented interventions, masking the true cost of power from consumers. But behind the temporary relief lies a complex market dynamic and a pressing need for a sustainable path forward. Robert Fabek, who leads energy and climate planning at the Hrvoje Požar Energy Institute, outlines the stark reality of wholesale price surges and the essential steps individuals and buildings must take to secure their own energy future. He reveals how temporary fixes buy time, but real resilience comes from understanding the underlying economics and investing in efficiency.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Croatia's 21-billion-kuna government package keeps household electricity prices rising by only 10% and gas by 30% — figures that mask the true market cost. Temporary subsidies, however necessary, are not a long-term strategy; they are a short-term buffer, buying time for more structural changes.
02
Wholesale electricity prices have surged tenfold, from €40 to over €500 per megawatt-hour, with natural gas seeing a similar increase. This drastic market shift underscores why government intervention isn't just a political choice but an economic necessity to shield both households and businesses from collapse.
03
Even when a country generates significant power from hydro or wind, the price of all electricity is set by the most expensive production method — currently natural gas. This marginal pricing mechanism means that even 'green' energy prices remain vulnerable to the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
04
This year's drought reduced electricity production from hydro and even nuclear power plants, which require high water levels for cooling. Environmental factors now play a direct role in energy supply stability, adding a layer of vulnerability beyond fuel prices alone.
05
Beyond simple habits like turning off lights, lasting energy security for households comes from replacing old appliances with efficient ones, improving insulation, and installing rooftop solar. Subsidies can only buy so much time; true resilience is built through individual investment in efficiency and self-generation.