Slovenia is set to enhance its renewable energy landscape with the approval of three substantial solar projects, which will collectively add over 39 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the national grid by 2028. These initiatives are part of the national Development Program Plan for 2026–2029 and will be executed by entities within the HSE group, representing a total investment exceeding €45 million, including more than €18 million sourced from the EU’s Modernization Fund.
The most prominent of these projects is the Zlatolicje–Formin solar plant, spearheaded by DEM. This project will expand an existing 2.5 MW installation to nearly 22 MW, generating over 24,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually through more than 37,000 solar panels located across the Zlatolicje and Formin hydropower plants along the Drava river. The total investment for this expansion is approximately €21.7 million, primarily financed by the investor, with additional support from EU funds. The project is scheduled for completion in February 2028, followed by commercial operations anticipated in March.
Another significant development is planned at Kanalski Vrh, where SENG aims to increase solar generation capacity from 2.9 MW to 7.3 MW. This expansion will complement existing hydropower facilities, including the Avce pump-storage plant and the Soca river cascade. The project is expected to produce over 8,000 MWh annually, with an estimated investment of €14 million, of which €5.9 million will come from the Modernization Fund. Financing for this initiative is projected to conclude by late 2027, although a precise timeline for electricity generation commencement remains unconfirmed.
The third project involves constructing a new 10 MW solar facility on the closed Pobrezje landfill in Maribor, which will directly supply electricity to the national grid. This initiative has a projected investment of €9.6 million, with nearly €4 million funded by EU resources. The completion of this project is targeted for the end of 2027.
These three projects signify a critical advancement in Slovenia’s renewable energy strategy, effectively integrating new generation capabilities while utilizing existing infrastructure and repurposing degraded land for sustainable energy production.
