The northern Adriatic island of Krk, among the biggest in Croatia, looks headed towards energy self-sufficiency by the end of the decade in what environmentalists say is an example for the Mediterranean in transition to green and sustainable power.

Several years ago local environmentalists ordered a feasibility study from Germany which showed a potential of Krk becoming energy-independent in future.

"The study said that we could produce 150 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually and at the moment we consume 112 GWh. The targeted mix is 60% of solar power, 30% wind and 10% biomass," said Vjeran Pirsic from local environmental group Eko Kvarner.

"Each year the number of small solar plants is steadily growing. The whole plan of energy self-sufficiency would cost some 72 million euros ($86 million)," Pirsic said.