Electro -Distribution System – the spine of the green passage of Slovenia

This infrastructure, often imperceptible to the general public, is becoming a central platform for transforming the energy sector and the carrier of sustainable development. By Development Plan for the period 2025–2034which predicts a common € 3.95 billion in investmentsare outlined strategic orientations for upgrading a system, tailored to new users’ needs, technological progress and ambitious climate neutrality goals.

Transition from classic network to advanced infrastructure

Traditional distribution systems have not been designed for mass involvement of scattered electricity production, electrifying traffic and heating either for active role of customers. But now a whole new chapter is opening in front of us, in which the electrodistribution system is no longer just a passive energy carrier, but a dynamic platform that supports digitization, flexibility and multidirectional energy flow.

The key challenges are:

• Research and abandoning fossil fuels,
• decentralization of the energy system,
• activation of end users in the role of producers (prosumer),
• digitization and provision of cyber security,
• Establishment of weather resistance and other crisis.

Electrical system must allow a high degree in the future Inclusion of energy from renewable sourcesits effective use and simultaneously reliable, safe and quality supply of all end users.

Key goals of development period

The plan by 2034 sets a series of concrete goals by electricity distributors Electrical Celje, Elektro Gorenjska, Elektro Ljubljana, Elektro Maribor and Electric coastal They pursue, among them stand out:

• providing adequate capacity for consumption growth and number of users (expected to be connected by more than 2034 by 2034 1,045,000 userswhat is almost 60,000 more As in 2023),
• Improving the quality and reliability of supply, especially with greater exposure to the weather,
• Increase in cable network implementation and replacement of outdated infrastructure,
• introduction advanced networks and digital solutions,
• Effective energy use and promoting flexibility (Responsibility of consumption and production to the needs of the system),
• Upgrading the distribution network with modern transformer stations and new low -voltage lines.

Should become an electricity distribution system uniform, digitally manageable and cost -effectivewith concomitant consideration of environmental and social impacts. The role of customers are also recognized Active market participants And increasingly want to include their own energy solutions – from solar power plants, battery stores to electric vehicles.

Strategic significance of investments and the challenge of financing

It is one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the energy sector, which goes beyond the only technical upgrade and is a strategic basis for the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy in the future.

However, the funds for all of the estimated investments have not been guaranteed yet. This means that for the successful implementation of the project, it will be necessary to find additional resources – both within the country and at EU level. Key sources include:

• mechanism for recovery and resistancein which the national plan is planned to strengthen the distribution network,
• funds from the Repowereu programthat promotes rapid restructuring of the energy sector based on clean energy,
• additional borrowing at Slovenian banks but European Investment Bank,
• potential public-private initiatives.

Source: Development plan of the electricity distribution system in the Republic of Slovenia from 2025 to 2034. Photo: GIZ of electricity distribution

The way to the energy future

Slovenia stands at a crossroads where it has to choose a long -term vision and strategic investment in infrastructure that will provided energy safety, economic stability and climate neutrality. The electrodistribution system – as the most widespread energy infrastructure – must therefore become the foundation of the country’s energy renovation. Investments planned by 2034 are not just a technical update but an urgent investment in the future of all – users, economy and environment. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a significant part of the costs for establishing a modern and reliable network will be borne by users – through the payment of the network charge.

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