Analysis of Slovenian entrepreneurs: the necessary construction of new nuclear power plants for energy stability

Jože P. Damijan, the head of the expert group from the Ljubljana Faculty of Economics, claims, and as reported by RTV Slovenija, that Slovenia needs the construction of new nuclear capacities in combination with renewable energy sources (OIE) if it wants to maintain stable and affordable electricity prices in the long term

According to the claims, the optimal scenario entails extending the operation of Krško and building a new block.

The conclusion about the necessity of investing in nuclear energy is part of an analysis conducted under the auspices of the Slovenian Entrepreneurs' Club (SBC). The study showed that electricity demand in Slovenia is expected to double by 2050, with three quarters of that growth arising from the energy transition, i.e., the replacement of fossil fuels with clean sources.

The expert group assessed four possible scenarios for the energy future, and singled out as optimal the one that foresees:

1. Extending the Krško Nuclear Power Plant's operational life until 2063.
2. Construction of its second block (JEK-2).
3. At the same time, a moderate growth of solar and wind power capacities, along with the development of hydroelectric plants.

Damijan emphasized that such an approach would, in the long run, ensure supply stability, reduce import dependence, and bring the lowest costs compared with other options.

The analysis compared the optimal scenario with three undesirable solutions:

• Scenario 1 (no investment): The shutdown of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant by 2033 and the Krško NPP by 2043 would mean Slovenia would have to import most of its electricity, which carries an exceptional dependence and risk for supply, Damijan states.
• Scenario 2 (OIE + Gas): Increasing RES with the use of gas-fired power plants for system stability leaves the country dependent on imports of gas and electricity, with increased carbon dioxide emissions.
• Scenario 3 (Total OIE): Completely shutting down all fossil and nuclear sources is considered technically and economically difficult to implement due to the enormous need for energy storage capacities.

The study was also supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS – we would translate this as "Chamber of Commerce") and the Chamber of Crafts and Small Business of Slovenia. The Director-General of the GZS, Vesna Nahtigal, warned of the need to make decisions quickly, because “other countries are overtaking on the left and right.” The SBC Vice-President, Igor Akrapovič, added that the problem is the slowness of procedures and stressed that, although the construction of JETS-2 is a complex topic, it should not be decided by referendum.