Slovenia’s energy agenda places nuclear expansion, advanced technologies and hydropower development at the center of national priorities. The programme was presented by the newly appointed Minister for Infrastructure and Energy, Jernej Vrtovec. The minister said the focus is on expanding the country’s low-carbon energy capacity.
After taking office, Vrtovec named the proposed second unit of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, known as Krško 2, as one of the most important strategic projects for the ministry. He also pointed to growing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) and the use of artificial intelligence in energy systems. Other emerging technologies were cited as factors that could shape Slovenia’s future energy-sector structure.
Krško 2 agreements and preparation-stage decisions
The minister said the Government is preparing several international agreements and strategic commitments intended to accelerate progress on Krško 2. He described the initiative as having entered a sensitive and decisive phase. In this stage, decisions made during preparation were said to have potential long-term effects on construction timelines, financing and overall project implementation.
Hydropower projects on the Middle Sava River and Mokrice
Alongside nuclear development, hydropower expansion is expected to play a major role in Slovenia’s energy strategy. Vrtovec announced plans to speed up spatial planning procedures and permitting processes for three hydropower projects on the Middle Sava River. He also said preparations are continuing for the long-discussed Mokrice hydropower plant.
The minister noted that a final decision on the Mokrice project could be reached in the near future. He linked the hydropower timeline to progress in planning and permitting steps for the Middle Sava River projects. The statements placed both sets of developments within the same acceleration approach described for hydropower.
Electricity system resilience and grid priorities
Vrtovec addressed the resilience and stability of Slovenia’s electricity system. He said he is confident it can handle demanding operational conditions. At the same time, he stated that strengthening security, flexibility and robustness of the national power grid will remain a key priority for the ministry in coming years.
The minister’s remarks connected grid work with Slovenia’s ongoing energy transition. He did not specify additional grid measures or timelines beyond identifying these priorities for the period ahead.
