Slovenia’s Sostanj thermal power plant has temporarily restarted unit 5 as colder weather increases district heating demand. Unit 6 remains under maintenance while unit 5 is brought back into service. Heat demand has reached approximately 400 MWh a day.
Unit 5 operating plan and timetable
Unit 5 is expected to run mainly on weekdays until the end of October at roughly 150 MW. The restart is intended to provide operational cover ahead of planned work on the plant’s second gas turbine. That overhaul is scheduled to begin on 12 October.
Gas turbine refurbishment and trial period
The plant’s first gas turbine, with a capacity of 42 MW, underwent major refurbishment last autumn. After refurbishment work on the second turbine, the plant plans a trial operating period before returning the equipment to regular service. The restart of unit 5 supports continuity during this maintenance window.
Status of unit 5 and post-overhaul options
Unit 5 has been in cold reserve since 1 January 2025. Under current legislation, it is expected to be permanently withdrawn once both gas turbine overhauls are completed. Options for the retired unit include dismantling it or selling it as a complete technological package.
Completion of the turbine work will determine when Sostanj can withdraw unit 5 while maintaining heat supply.
