Hydropower plants along the Sava river in Slovenia produced just over 1,000 GWh of electricity last year, accounting for slightly more than 20 percent of the country’s total electricity generation. However, this output represents only about one-third of the river’s full energy potential, indicating significant opportunities for further development.
The HSE Group, Slovenia’s main electricity producer, prioritizes maximizing the use of the country’s rivers for energy production. As part of its long-term strategy, HSE is advancing several major projects, most notably the construction of new hydroelectric power stations along the middle section of the Sava river.
The current focus includes three planned hydropower plants: Suhadol, Trbovlje, and Renke. These projects are in the spatial planning phase, with environmental assessments and option analyses currently under review. Authorities are also updating regulations related to preferred construction methods and revising environmental impact reports. According to HSE, developing these plants will help achieve broader national goals for hydropower growth. Slovenia’s National Energy and Climate Plan aims to increase the installed capacity of large hydropower plants by 143 MW by 2040.
By 2024, nearly 60 percent of HSE’s electricity production comes from hydropower along Slovenian rivers. These renewable energy sources play a crucial role in stabilizing the national electricity grid and supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
Looking forward, HSE stresses the importance of accelerating administrative processes and collaborating closely with local communities to ensure the successful execution of new hydropower projects.
