Slovenia tackles energy future amid rising demand and geopolitical shifts

Europe's economies are grappling with rising electricity demands fueled by the accelerated electrification of transportation, heating, and industry, alongside the proliferation of data centers and the expanding use of artificial intelligence. This surge in demand occurs as the European economy seeks to maintain competitiveness, reduce reliance on imported energy, and ensure stable supply amidst geopolitical uncertainties.

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In the GEN Group, we respond to energy and climate challenges with long-term development projects. The key among them is the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Krško (JEK2), which, together with renewable sources, will significantly contribute to Slovenia's reliable, stable, and low-carbon electricity supply.

Slovenia, with its highly industrialized and export-oriented economy, is not immune to these shifts. The nation is confronting critical questions regarding the future role of nuclear energy, the expansion of renewable energy sources, the necessary modernization of its electricity grids, and the financing of substantial infrastructure projects. Furthermore, challenges remain in siting new energy facilities, ensuring long-term energy security, and maintaining affordable electricity prices for both households and businesses.

To address these pressing issues, Delo's business center is launching "Energetika 2026." This campaign, running from June 13 to November 5, 2026, on delo.si and in special print editions, aims to steer the discussion toward the future development of Slovenia's electricity system. The campaign's centerpiece will be a business conference, "Optimal Sustainable National Energy System for Slovenia," scheduled for November 4, 2026, at the Hotel Bernardin in Portorož.

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Distribution electricity grids are undergoing a fundamental transformation. Digitalization and automation are changing their management from predominantly reactive to data-supported, predictive, and increasingly autonomous.

The conference will convene leading representatives from the energy sector, economy, financial industry, and state institutions. Its objective is to foster a robust discussion on the crucial decisions that will shape Slovenia's energy future. Nada Drobne Popović, CEO of GEN energija, highlighted the company's commitment to long-term development projects, including the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Krško (JEK2), which, combined with renewables, will contribute to a reliable, stable, and low-carbon energy supply. Dr. Ivan Šmon, President of the GIZ DEE (Association of Economic Interest for Electricity Distribution), emphasized the ongoing transformation of distribution grids through digitalization and automation, moving towards data-driven, predictive, and autonomous management to enhance supply reliability and grid flexibility.

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The key question is no longer whether we need digital solutions, but which ones bring the greatest added value for users and system stability.