In January, Slovenia’s largest gas-fired power plant, Termoelektrarna Brestanica (TEB), recorded its highest monthly output to date, responding to the challenges posed by severe winter conditions. The facility operates seven gas units with a total capacity exceeding 400 MW, which proved crucial during this period of heightened demand.
The technical management at TEB noted that the prolonged cold weather combined with significantly increased electricity prices made the operation of gas turbines economically viable, despite their traditionally high operating costs. This economic incentive allowed the plant to maintain elevated output levels, particularly in the latter part of January, thus achieving a new operational milestone.
Typically, gas-fired plants in Slovenia are utilized for short-term balancing, emergency coverage, or reserve capacity. However, this winter’s unique circumstances—characterized by low temperatures and diminished hydrological resources—necessitated a fundamental change in operational strategies. Some units were reported to have operated for up to 15 hours daily, far surpassing their average utilization rates.
Operational strategies at TEB were carefully managed; not all units were deployed simultaneously. Several blocks remained on standby to provide support for Slovenia’s nuclear facility at Krško. The operational focus was directed towards utilizing the newest and most efficient units, with additional units brought online only as market demand and system requirements dictated.
The performance of TEB throughout January underscored the critical role that gas-fired generation plays in Slovenia’s energy landscape during extreme weather events. It illustrated how flexible thermal capacity can transition from a reserve status to a key operational role when market dynamics and system demands align.
