TPP Šoštanj, a key player in Slovenia’s energy landscape, has successfully completed its inaugural year of providing district heating services to the Šaleška Valley. Throughout this period, the facility generated a noteworthy 276 GWh of heat and 1,848 GWh of electricity, effectively meeting its objective of delivering consistent heat supply to local residents and businesses. Management reported that the plant’s performance in 2025 aligned with expectations, characterized by reliable operations across production units. The focus on uninterrupted heat delivery has been underscored by the current emergency legislation guiding operational protocols.
Looking ahead to 2026, TPP Šoštanj has revised its production targets to align with anticipated demand fluctuations. The plant aims for an output of approximately 265 GWh of heat and 1,519 GWh of electricity, with coal consumption projected to slightly surpass 1.1 million tons. Officials at the plant have indicated that these projections remain adaptable; should market conditions for electricity improve, there is potential for increased generation capacity resulting in elevated coal usage. Additionally, fuel supply stability has been assured through ongoing coal deliveries from the Velenje Coal Mine, adhering to established mining plans and contractual commitments. A new coal price set at €7.19/GJ is anticipated to have implications mainly for state compensation rather than daily operational costs.
On the commercial side, TPP Šoštanj has proactively secured sales agreements covering a substantial portion of its forthcoming electricity production. In four auctions conducted during 2025, the plant successfully sold 73% of its planned output for 2026, thereby enhancing revenue predictability for stakeholders. Investment initiatives are also underway, with significant focus on upgrading the second 42 MW gas unit. This project aims to increase capacity in a manner similar to enhancements made previously to the first unit. The total contractual value associated with upgrades for both gas units amounts to €17.7 million, reflecting TPP Šoštanj’s commitment to improving both flexibility and efficiency, while maintaining its essential heating functions.
