Electricity in Slovenia in 2023/2024

Over the last 12 months, from October 2023 to September 2024, Slovenia's electricity consumption reveals a significant reliance on low-carbon sources, with more than three-quarters (about 77%) of its electricity generated from these clean energy sources. Hydropower contributes to nearly 39%, while nuclear energy adds almost 33%, making them the backbone of Slovenia’s low-carbon electricity supply. Fossil fuels, particularly coal, account for less than a quarter (around 23%) of the total electricity consumption. Coal makes up about 20%, showing a significant presence, whereas gas and solar power generate approximately 3% and 4% respectively, with solar energy making a small but notable contribution.

Suggestions

To bolster its share of low-carbon electricity further, Slovenia should consider expanding its existing nuclear capacity, given its already substantial role in the country's energy mix. Learning from countries with successful clean energy strategies is also key. For instance, France leads with nuclear power contributing 67% of its electricity, highlighting a model of effective nuclear utilization. Similarly, Slovakia, with 60% of its electricity from nuclear, showcases significant progress in this area. Slovenia can also look towards the wind energy successes of Denmark and Ireland, where wind accounts for 61% and 34% of electricity generation, respectively. Introducing more wind and solar projects, as seen in Greece’s wind (21%) and solar (22%) or the Netherlands’ solar (19%), could complement the growth of low-carbon sources alongside an expanded nuclear framework.

History

Historically, Slovenia's commitment to low-carbon electricity has seen various fluctuations. In the early 1990s, hydro and nuclear power experienced modest increases and declines; in 1991 hydro grew by 0.7 TWh, but nuclear dropped by 1 TWh in 1992. A notable rise in both hydro and nuclear energy occurred in 2014, with hydro increasing by 1.4 TWh and nuclear by 1.1 TWh. However, 2015 saw declines for both, with hydro falling by 2.3 TWh and nuclear by 0.7 TWh. Recent years also reflect variations: 2023 saw significant hydro growth of 1.8 TWh, even as nuclear dipped by 0.8 TWh in 2023/2024. These fluctuations underlie the importance of strategic and sustained investments in low-carbon technologies to ensure stable and increasing clean electricity generation in the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources