Energy Law at Slovenia
Certainly! Here's a comprehensive overview of Energy Law in Slovenia, covering the legal framework, regulatory bodies, and key focus areas:
🇸🇮 Energy Law in Slovenia
Slovenia’s energy law governs the production, transmission, distribution, supply, and use of energy, with an emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and market liberalization. As a member of the European Union, Slovenia’s energy legislation is closely aligned with EU law, particularly directives on the internal energy market, renewable energy, and climate change.
1. Legal Framework
🧾 Primary Laws
Energy Act (EZ-1) – Adopted in 2014 (and amended since), this is the central legislation that governs:
Electricity and gas markets
Heat supply
Renewable energy sources
Energy efficiency
Consumer protection
Renewable Energy Sources Act (ZOVE) – Promotes use of renewables in electricity, heating, and transport.
Energy Efficiency Act (ZURE) – Implements EU directives on energy savings and outlines national targets.
Environmental Protection Act & Climate Act – Complement energy laws with sustainability and emission reduction targets.
2. Regulatory Bodies
🏛️ Key Institutions
Energy Agency of the Republic of Slovenia (AGEN-RS):
Independent regulator overseeing electricity and gas markets, including licensing, market monitoring, and tariff setting.
Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy:
Responsible for energy policy, climate planning, and transposing EU directives.
Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO):
Handles environmental permits and impact assessments for energy projects.
3. Key Areas of Focus
⚡ Electricity Market
Liberalized and aligned with EU rules.
Major suppliers include GEN-I and Elektro Ljubljana.
Transmission is operated by ELES (state-owned TSO), and distribution by regional DSOs.
🔥 Gas Market
Fully liberalized with multiple suppliers.
Slovenia is part of regional gas interconnections, including with Austria, Italy, and Croatia.
🌱 Renewable Energy
Supported through:
Feed-in tariffs and premiums (transitioning to auction-based support).
Net metering for small producers.
Grants and subsidies via EU and national funds.
Major sources: hydropower, biomass, and solar (with growing interest in wind and geothermal).
🔋 Energy Efficiency
Regulated under the Energy Efficiency Act.
Includes measures for buildings, industry, public sector, and transport.
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) are active under a contractual framework.
4. Strategic Goals & Climate Commitments
NECP (National Energy and Climate Plan) 2021–2030:
27% renewable share by 2030.
35% improvement in energy efficiency.
Gradual phase-out of coal (Šoštanj thermal power plant under review).
Expansion of nuclear energy (second unit at Krško NPP being considered).
Carbon Neutrality by 2050:
Green transition is legally and politically supported.
5. Challenges
Slow permitting for renewables (especially wind).
Energy affordability and tariff regulation.
Public opposition to large infrastructure (e.g., new nuclear units or hydropower dams).
Energy dependence and diversification of gas supply.
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