Slovenia’s government has found that the public benefits of the Mokrice hydropower project outweigh its environmental impact, clearing another major regulatory hurdle for the long-delayed development. Led by Hidroelektrarne na spodnji Savi, the project could move towards construction in 2027. That timetable depends on securing the remaining approvals and avoiding further delays from legal challenges.
The plant is expected to produce enough electricity for more than 30,000 households and will be part of wider flood-protection infrastructure in the Lower Sava region. Its reservoir could also help manage water supplies in the region during droughts.
Environmental conditions and remaining approvals
Approval comes with extensive environmental requirements, including habitat restoration, protection of fish and spawning areas, and the construction of passages for aquatic organisms. Further conservation measures will be required within the Natura 2000 protected area, alongside continued environmental monitoring.
The decision does not authorize construction. The developer must complete the environmental procedures and obtain a valid building permit before work can proceed. Further court challenges remain a risk to the project timetable.
