Who are the designers of the infrastructure of the future?

Who are the designers of the infrastructure of the future?

Dalekovod Projekt is the only non-Scandinavian company that has successfully pre-qualified in the design sector in Sweden (Svenska kraftnät), Finland (Fingrid), Scotland (SSE), and Ireland (ESB). Transition, modernization, and revitalization of energy infrastructure are among the driving forces leading Europe’s energy sector toward a greener and more sustainable future. Enormous investments, significant momentum, and the transformation that this critical infrastructure deserves have been announced.

Strongest in Croatia, highly respected worldwide

Within the global context, a key role is played by a Croatian company: Dalekovod Projekt, the largest design company in Croatia, operating as part of the Dalekovod Group. It employs around one hundred highly qualified experts in electrical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, and geodesy. Contributing to the company’s leadership are also specialists in economics, human resources, and public procurement. The company is headed by Davor Đurđević, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th conference of the Croatian branch of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (HRO CIGRE).

Through its long-standing tradition and dedication, the company has become synonymous with high quality and expertise in the sector, focusing on design, supervision, and consulting. “Our main areas of interest include transmission and distribution lines, substations, energy infrastructure for highways, roads, and railways, renewable energy sources (wind, solar), lighting, and antenna systems,” emphasizes Director Davor Đurđević. Dalekovod Projekt closely monitors market trends and actively seeks opportunities for growth and strengthening its leadership position.

From the start of his career in the energy sector, Đurđević has experienced both rewarding and challenging moments. “I would particularly highlight the Croatian War of Independence as a difficult period where, as energy experts, we played a key role in maintaining Croatia’s energy stability during the most challenging times. The subsequent period of economic boom was marked by engagement in building Croatia’s highway network, where we carried out significant work in energy infrastructure—a key segment of any highway. Taking the helm at Dalekovod Projekt allowed me to return to my primary life calling, that of a designer. I am proud that throughout my career I had the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional professionals and colleagues, building the energy system together, and I am glad that my work and contribution have been recognized by the industry.”

Today, Dalekovod Projekt stands at the forefront of global energy design, a result of years of investment in human capital and expertise. The company is ready to compete in the most demanding international markets such as Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. On these markets, Dalekovod Projekt competes successfully against design and consulting firms with hundreds of times more employees and is the only foreign design company to have passed the rigorous pre-qualification processes. The company also maintains continuous collaboration with loyal clients such as HOPS (Croatian Transmission System Operator), HEP ODS, Hrvatske autoceste, Hrvatske ceste, and Hrvatske željeznice. “Our references and professional qualifications are the foundation that allows Dalekovod Projekt to undertake the most complex projects in power engineering, which are of strategic importance for Croatia and all countries in which we operate,” Đurđević explains.

Dalekovod Projekt aims to maintain and strengthen its leadership in power infrastructure design in Croatia, which serves as a base for expanding its international presence, currently generating around 30% of total revenue with a tendency for growth. The company is the only non-Scandinavian firm to pre-qualify for design projects in Sweden, Finland, Scotland, and Ireland for national distribution companies—its most important foreign markets. Several complex projects in these regions have been secured in competition with leading European design and consulting firms, providing grounds for optimism.

Innovation and breakthroughs

At Dalekovod Projekt, alongside investment in people, innovation and the pursuit of unprecedented solutions are strategic priorities. Significant efforts and resources are devoted to ensuring access to the highest quality design tools. A prime example is the development of technology in geodesy. Engineers today are less traditional surveyors and more multidisciplinary specialists who manage, utilize, and interpret complex technological systems, including drones with LiDAR cameras, thermal imaging, photogrammetry, and other advanced tools and platforms.

“We have developed an excellent corporate culture focused on innovation, encouraging creativity among our employees, which in turn elevates the level of service we can offer our clients,” highlights Đurđević.

For transmission and distribution line design, Dalekovod Projekt uses globally recognized software such as PLS CADD, PLS TOWER, and PLS POLE. For substation design, the company uses Primtech for 3D modeling of substations. Architects and civil engineers use advanced 3D software for structural calculations and development (REVIT, Civil 3D, Allplan, Dlubal). The company also follows trends in augmented reality and uses tools that allow maximum flexibility in all activities.

Investing in people is investing in the future

Innovation also applies to daily operations. By adopting a different approach to human resource management, monitoring employee satisfaction, developing internal communication, and providing opportunities for further education, Dalekovod Projekt seeks continuous internal development and optimization. “As we enter a period of intensive development of energy networks in Croatia and abroad, coupled with a chronic shortage of design professionals, our primary focus is maintaining and developing design capacities. Understanding that young specialists are hard to find, we invest significant effort to show them the potential and opportunities for professional growth that we can offer.”

“Global energy challenges demonstrate that energy is no longer just an economic sector; it has become a key area of national and strategic interest. The shortage of qualified design professionals able to implement development plans further underscores the opportunities before us. We are well-positioned and ready to seize these opportunities,” Đurđević adds.

Dalekovod Projekt is present at all relevant universities in Croatia and the region, ensuring a wide talent pool. Regular student presentations encourage them to see Dalekovod Projekt as an employer offering high-quality development platforms. “Dalekovod Projekt ensures continuity of its key professionals, and this will remain a core goal in the future. Designers joining us undergo a long learning period due to the specialized nature of our field, which helps us meet employee expectations and minimize turnover.”

New horizons

Alongside skilled personnel, Dalekovod Projekt focuses on strategic projects ensuring long-term sustainability of Croatia’s energy system. Key projects include the “Lika” program—a new double 400 kV transmission line with substations and switchgear connecting major energy hubs in Croatia; the “Southern Homeland Branch” program targeting energy renewal in southern Croatia; and the “Istra” program, strengthening the energy backbone in Istria. Croatian Railways also plan significant investments in railway infrastructure. These complex energy projects represent substantial potential for further development of Dalekovod Projekt.

Today, Dalekovod Projekt represents the pinnacle of technical and technological capabilities in power engineering. There is virtually no company on the market offering comparable work and development opportunities using the latest tools. “We strive to be flexible, attentive to employee needs, and a desirable employer for top talent. This responsibility is significant, but we offer a unique opportunity for our employees and future recruits to grow and gain experience in a world-class environment,” concludes Đurđević.