Gas Power Plant Activated to Stabilize Slovenia's Grid Amid Heatwave and Drought

Slovenia was forced to activate a gas power plant in Brestanica to stabilize its electricity grid amid soaring temperatures and drought conditions. The country is experiencing high demand for electricity, largely driven by the widespread use of air conditioning systems during the ongoing heatwave.

Tomislav Malgaj, director of Termoelektrarna Brestanica (TEB), explained that hydroelectric power plants are producing less electricity due to the heat and lack of rain. When solar energy became unavailable after sunset, the gas power plant was necessary to meet demand. The situation could worsen if the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (Nek) is forced to reduce its output or shut down entirely due to low river flows and elevated water temperatures affecting its cooling systems.

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We had no other choice but to use gas when the sun went down and there was no more solar energy.

Officials have warned the public about the potential strain on the energy supply. The reduced efficiency and output of the nuclear plant are directly linked to the temperature of the cooling water. Aleksander Mervar, director of Eles, the transmission system operator, has proposed that the nuclear plant might receive a temporary exemption from environmental obligations in a worst-case scenario. He noted that shutting down Nek could create voltage profile issues within the transmission network.

The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning stated that expert services will review the proposal. Meanwhile, several nuclear power plants in Western and Central Europe have already ceased operations this year due to heatwaves. While drought also affects hydroelectric power generation in Slovenia, the situation is reportedly less severe than in some neighboring countries. Despite lower river flows, water levels in Slovenian reservoirs remain at typical levels for this time of year. However, hydroelectric power generation from January to June was significantly lower than in the previous year and the five-year average.

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We have already written an opinion that if NEK were to shut down, we could have certain problems with voltage profiles in the transmission network.