In Slovenia, the current state of electricity consumption highlights a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources, which contribute over three-quarters of the total electricity consumption. Nuclear energy plays a pivotal role, contributing more than a third, with hydropower close behind at another third. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, account for just under a quarter of the electricity mix, with coal being the predominant source within this group. Solar energy sits at a respectable position, providing almost a tenth of energy consumption. These figures underscore Slovenia's commitment to low-carbon or clean energy, albeit with room for improvement, particularly in further reducing dependency on coal and increasing the share of solar.
Is Electricity Growing in Slovenia?
Regarding electricity consumption trends in Slovenia, it’s clear that electricity usage per person has decreased since its peak in 2014. The latest data for 2024 indicates 7976 kWh/person, which is almost 500 kWh less than in 2014. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also experienced a decline, from a previous high of 6440 kWh/person in 2014 to 6076 kWh/person in 2024. This stagnation signals a concerning trend at a time when increased electricity, particularly from low-carbon sources, is crucial for addressing climate change and facilitating economic growth.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Slovenia should consider expanding its existing nuclear capacity given its large contribution to the electricity mix. Additionally, Slovenia can draw inspiration from countries like France, which generates a substantial 68% of its electricity from nuclear energy, demonstrating the potential for nuclear expansion. Furthermore, embracing solar energy development is crucial, as exemplified by Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of electricity generation. By learning from these regions, Slovenia can enhance its energy security and sustainability while mitigating the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment.
History
Since the early 1990s, Slovenia's low-carbon electricity landscape has been shaped by various developments in nuclear and hydropower. The 1990s saw a decline in nuclear generation, with a notable decrease of 1 TWh in 1992, but this was later balanced by increases in the mid-2000s. Hydropower has fluctuated over the years, with significant gains in 2004 and 2014 but faced setbacks notably in 2011 and 2015. The recent years have shown variability, with 2022 seeing a considerable hydropower decline, followed by a remarkable recovery in 2023. Overall, the inconsistent trajectory for nuclear electricity is a cause for concern, underscoring the need for Slovenia to stabilize and boost its low-carbon outputs to ensure a resilient and clean energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.