Electricity in Slovenia in 2023/2024

In Slovenia, over the past year spanning from November 2023 to October 2024, the state of electricity consumption has been primarily characterized by a significant reliance on low-carbon energy sources. More than three-quarters of Slovenia's electricity is generated from these clean sources. Hydropower contributes strongly, providing close to 39% of the electricity, while nuclear energy, another crucial player, accounts for almost 35%. In contrast, fossil fuels take up a smaller portion of the electricity mix, amounting to slightly more than a fifth. Within this category, coal represents the majority of fossil fuel generation with just under 20%, while solar and gas make minimal contributions, each providing less than 4%.

Suggestions

To further bolster its clean energy production, Slovenia could focus on expanding its well-established nuclear capabilities, as these have shown to be significantly beneficial. It would be prudent for Slovenia to emulate successful strategies from countries like Slovakia and France, which have high nuclear shares of 60% and 67%, respectively. By expanding its nuclear infrastructure, Slovenia can further reduce its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, mitigating the negative impacts associated with climate change and air pollution. Additionally, observing the substantial roles wind power plays in nations such as Denmark, Ireland, and Germany, Slovenia could also explore opportunities to integrate more wind energy into its grid, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to boosting its low-carbon energy capacity.

History

Looking back at Slovenia's history of low-carbon electricity, there has been a varied evolution marked by both advances and setbacks. In the early 1990s, changes were relatively steady, with notable increases like the 0.7 TWh rise in hydroelectric power in 1991 and an unfortunate reduction in nuclear output by 1 TWh in 1992. The mid-2000s saw periods of growth, especially in hydroelectric generation, peaking with increases of up to 1.4 TWh in 2014. However, some setbacks were evident, with declines like the 2.3 TWh drop in hydropower by 2015 and occasional dips in nuclear power. Despite these fluctuations, recent years show encouraging progress, with a substantial 1.8 TWh rise in hydro generation in 2023, indicating positive momentum toward greening Slovenia's electricity landscape. This historical journey underlines the importance of consistently supporting and expanding low-carbon technologies, ensuring Slovenia remains on track toward sustainable energy production.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources