Between Ambitious Vision and Harsh Reality: Where the (Bright) Future of Slovenia’s Energy Sector Is Fracturing and Taking Shape

The article summarises a round-table discussion on the key challenges and prospects of Slovenia’s energy sector. The participants emphasised the urgent need to modernise the electricity grid, accelerate spatial planning procedures, and reform outdated legislation. Particular attention was paid to the need to strike an appropriate balance between the public interest, environmental protection, and the interests of local communities. The discussion showed that Slovenia still lacks a broad societal consensus on the future development of renewable energy sources and nuclear energy. The participants highlighted the importance of investments in solar power, hydropower, energy storage systems, and the possible construction of Unit 2 of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. They also stressed the need to reduce dependence on imported energy and to strengthen resilience against geopolitical and climate-related shocks. It was concluded that the success of the energy transition will depend primarily on decisive, expert-led, and long-term action by the state.

Keywords: energy sector, energy transition, renewable energy sources, nuclear energy, electricity grid, spatial planning, energy security.