Slovenia confirms coal phaseout date in updated NECP

Slovenia has prepared an updated version of its national energy and climate plan, which increases the targets for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The original 2030 energy and climate plans (NECPs) of EU member states were approved by the European Commission in 2019. Drafts of updated plans were to be submitted by June 2023, and final plans by June 2024.

Among other things, analyses of the final plans show that the countries boosted solar targets by 87% compared to the previous versions.

Slovenia is currently conducting a public consultation on the final updated version of the NECP, which began on May 20 and will end on June 23.

The target for renewables raised to 33%

The original goal for the share of renewable energy sources in total energy consumption by 2030 was 27%, and now it has been lifted to 33%. The EU-level target is over 42.5%.

Slovenia had a 25% share at the end of 2022, thanks to the statistical transfer of energy from Croatia, based on an agreement between the two countries. Home-based energy generation wasn’t enough to ensure the 25% share of renewables.

The overall share in the heating and cooling sector at the end of 2022 was almost 34%, in the electricity sector 37%, and in transportation 7.8%.

In the updated plan, Slovenia also increased the target for greenhouse gas emissions cut, from 36% to 55%, equal to the EU-level target. However, it is projected to be met by 2033, not by 2030. The base year is 2005.

Kumer: Energy efficiency will be made affordable for every household

Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer noted that the main contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions cut would come from the country’s coal phaseout, which is scheduled to be completed by 2033.

With the coal phaseout, Slovenia will decarbonize electricity production, Kumer said during the third public discussion on the final updated NECP, held in the capital Ljubljana.

The new NECP significantly strengthens the ambition in the efficient use of energy. The planned final energy consumption until 2030 will not exceed 50.2 TWh, an improvement of more than 11% compared to the previous target, of 54.9 TWh.

The plan, according to the ministry, also takes into account the problem of energy poverty. It envisages measures that will ensure access to energy efficiency even for energy poor households.