On 2 July, the third study visit carried out as part of the CREDIT4CE project took place in Zagreb. The event was organised by project partner REGEA and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb – FAMENA. The meeting was attended by project partners from Austria and Poland, as well as representatives of cooperating small and medium-sized enterprises.
The visit took place at the University of Zagreb, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the faculty’s research and innovation activities, as well as to see its modern laboratory facilities and technical infrastructure.
A Modernised Campus as a “Living Laboratory”
The comprehensively modernised and thermally upgraded faculty campus was reopened in 2025, following extensive reconstruction work carried out after the earthquake that struck Zagreb in 2020. The investment, worth approximately EUR 75–80 million, covered more than 38,000 m² of university space and was financed by European Union funds and national funding.
The campus was equipped, among other solutions, with photovoltaic installations, systems using geothermal energy, and heating and cooling systems based on heat pumps. These solutions have increased the energy efficiency of the buildings and reduced energy consumption.
The facility now functions as a so-called “living laboratory”. The implemented solutions make it possible to monitor the operation of energy systems in real time, conduct research, and provide education in sustainable construction and energy transition.
Hydrogen Technologies and Clean Energy
An important part of the visit was also a tour of the Hydrogen Laboratory. Participants learned about the research conducted there on the production, storage and use of green hydrogen, generated through water electrolysis powered by energy from renewable sources. The laboratory develops experimental systems combining photovoltaic, electrochemical and hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells and energy conversion solutions.
The programme also included presentations of laboratories working on energy systems, geothermal energy and heat pump technologies.
Cooperation Between Science and Business
Participants were also introduced to examples of cooperation with companies involved in the modernisation of the campus, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between science and business in implementing investments that support the green transition.
The meeting enabled the exchange of knowledge and experience between project partners and representatives of the SME sector from Austria, Poland and Croatia. The modernised FAMENA campus demonstrated how infrastructure investments, innovative technologies and cooperation between science and business can support decarbonisation, in line with the objectives of the CREDIT4CE project.
Join the upcoming study visits. Participation is free of charge, with PPNT covering the costs of transport and accommodation. It is an opportunity to learn about proven solutions, exchange experience and establish international contacts.
