Slovenia Achieves Landmark in Renewable Energy Usage in 2023

In a significant achievement for renewable energy, Slovenia surpassed its EU-mandated target of a 25% renewable energy share in gross final energy consumption. Last year, Slovenia achieved a 25.07% share, meeting the milestone without additional purchases or surcharges via the statistical transfer mechanism, a first for the nation.

Renewable energy adoption was most prominent in the electricity sector, where renewable energy share rose by 4.88 percentage points to 41.89%, largely driven by solar energy expansion. Renewable energy use in transport increased by 2.19 points to 10.02%, and the heating and cooling sector grew modestly by 0.31 points, reaching a 34.3% share.

In 2023, Slovenia generated 6,349 GWh of electricity from renewable sources—an impressive 47% increase from 2022—spurred by favorable hydrological conditions and a notable rise in solar power output, which saw a nearly 36% increase. This growth is attributed to the established support scheme for renewable energy sources (RES) and combined heat and power (CHP) production facilities, along with rising interest in self-supply options.

Self-supply installations have grown rapidly, from 135 in 2016 with a 1.1 MW capacity to 14,772 installations in 2023, reaching a combined 223 MW capacity. As of 2023, Slovenia had 44,459 self-supply devices in operation, with a total installed capacity of 556 MW, averaging 12.5 kW per device. This increase correlates with the expanded use of heat pumps and a growing trend toward charging electric vehicles at home. Solar power continues to dominate, comprising 99.8% of all self-supply installations.

Community self-supply facilities have also expanded in recent years, with the number of installations rising from a single 14 kW facility in 2019 to 171 facilities by 2023, reaching a total connected capacity of 8,200 kW. This trend supports NRGCOM’s goal of establishing community-oriented energy solutions that prioritize local, sustainable energy generation and distribution.

Slovenia’s shift towards renewable energy reflects a strong national commitment to sustainable energy independence. With a substantial increase in self-supply and community-powered installations, Slovenia is well-positioned to continue its path toward a greener energy future.

The sectoral benefits mentioned above are in line with NRGCOM's mission to create frameworks that promote the use of renewable energy in both residential and industrial applications, thus supporting the green transition in the region.

As NRGCOM actively promotes self-sufficiency frameworks that enable communities to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy resilience, partnerships such as NRGCOM enable the Danube region to progress towards a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape.

The NRGCOM project aims to create appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region. By reviewing national legal frameworks, analyzing operational practices, and developing sustainable strategies, NRGCOM seeks to remove barriers hindering the proper functioning of renewable energy communities. The project emphasizes raising awareness and promoting community self-sufficiency through public campaigns and expert workshops, accelerating the transition to renewable energy across the region. Supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme and co-financed by the European Union, NRGCOM is committed to facilitating the green transition and increasing energy efficiency in the Danube Region.

In Slovenia, the Energy Agency of Savinjska, Šaleška, and Koroška Region (KSSENA) actively participates as a project partner. KSSENA focuses on developing and implementing innovative energy solutions, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting the establishment of renewable energy communities within the region. Their involvement in NRGCOM underscores Slovenia’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy practices and fostering community-led energy initiatives.

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