We need to make the transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy of the Republic of Slovenia Bojan Kumer

Caspian Energy (CE): What can you say about the current energy security level of Slovenia?  

Bojan Kumer, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy of the Republic of Slovenia:  In Slovenia, we have well-developed and reliable networks and cross-border interconnections and an adequate diversification of sources and supply routes. The supply of energy, energy products and services cannot be provided solely within Slovenia, so we also depend on the supply, demand and development of markets in the wider region. Slovenia is dependent on imports for almost 50% of its energy. We import all fossil fuels for transport, which has a definite impact on their reliability. We need to make the transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources before the world’s fossil fuel reserves are exhausted. Therefore, all decisions in the Slovenian energy sector are aimed at ensuring an energy supply from sustainable and renewable sources. Our goal is to reduce import dependency to the minimum acceptable level.

We recognise in our energy strategy documents the need to strengthen energy independence through renewable energy sources. We are in the process of setting new binding national climate and energy targets for 2030, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption.

At the moment, the answers to Slovenia’s energy problems also depend on the Russo-Ukrainian war and its effects, which have led to soaring prices of energy. We had to regulate the prices of fuel, electricity and gas. For the winter of 2024, supply issues and the growing difficulties with the provision of gas from sources other than Russia may require a rethinking of the situation and could demand cuts in energy usage by both citizens and industry.