Slovenia Bolsters Energy Transition with €174 Million Grid Investments
Slovenia has taken a decisive step toward a decarbonized future, announcing a €174 million investment package dedicated to the comprehensive modernization of its national power transmission and distribution networks. This strategic initiative aims to bolster grid capacity, enhance supply reliability, and—most critically—facilitate the rapid integration of renewable energy sources into the national mix.
The project is supported by €59 million in co-funding from the European Union’s Modernisation Fund, a financial instrument fueled by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) designed to assist member states in meeting climate targets.
A Foundation for the Green Transition
Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer, formalized the initiative by signing four contracts and two strategic decisions with the CEOs of Slovenia’s six state-owned energy entities. The group includes the transmission system operator (TSO) ELES and five distribution system operators (DSOs).
“The energy transition actually begins with the grid,” Minister Kumer noted during the signing ceremony. “A strong, resilient network is the bedrock upon which our future energy autonomy and sustainability are built.”
Key Projects and Financial Breakdown
The modernization efforts are distributed across the country’s regional operators, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, digitalization, and increased transformer capacity.
| Operator | Project Focus | Total Investment | EU Support |
| Elektro Ljubljana | Urban network upgrades, cabling, and digitalization | €53.2 Million | €19.6 Million |
| Elektro Gorenjska | Upgrading Trata and Brnik substations | €32.9 Million | €14.9 Million |
| Elektro Maribor | New 110 kV line (Murska Sobota – Lendava) | €32.3 Million | €11.1 Million |
| ELES (TSO) | Upgrading 110 kV line (Dravograd–Velenje) | €12.9 Million | €5.7 Million |
| Elektro Celje | Switchgear refurbishment & transformer replacement | €11.0 Million | €5.5 Million |
| Elektro Primorska | Reconstruction of Vrtojba substation switchgear | €3.5 Million | €1.7 Million |
The 2030 Vision: Scaling Smart Infrastructure
This current wave of investment is only the beginning of a broader strategic roadmap. Slovenia has secured over €300 million from the Modernisation Fund to be utilized through 2030, specifically earmarked for grid refurbishment, energy efficiency, and renewable deployments.
The Ministry is already preparing a subsequent public call, expected in April, which will allocate €69 million for smart electricity grid investments between 2026 and 2030. These funds will prioritize three pillars:
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Renewables Development: Strengthening the grid to handle intermittent wind and solar inputs.
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Electrification of Heating: Supporting the transition away from fossil-fuel boilers to heat pumps.
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E-Mobility: Building the infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
By reinforcing its electrical backbone today, Slovenia is ensuring that its infrastructure can meet the demands of a more electrified and sustainable tomorrow.
