Building of HPPs on lower Sava river

Družba Hidroelektrarne na spodnji Savi d.o.o. is the protagonist of the largest investment into this country’s power-generation sector – the projected construction of a series of five hydropower plants (HPPs) on the lower reaches of Slovenia’s Sava River; namely: the new run-of -river plants at Boštanj, Blanca, Krško, Brežice and Mokrice. These new facilities, which shall be constructed by 2018, will more than double the power generated on the Sava. Their total output shall account for 21 % of the Slovenian hydropower production, and it is anticipated that they shall meet 6 % of the nation’s energy needs.

Improved exploitation of this cheap and renewable energy source is of national and global importance, further to which it adds to the autonomy, reliability, safety, cleanliness and competitiveness of the Slovenian power-generation base. Upon signing the concession agreement in 2002, the estimated cost of the project amounted to 95 billion Slovenian Tolars (some 405 million euros), almost 30 % of which is to be used in the construction of  ancillary facilities and infrastructure. In addition to a 721 GWh annual output, this project shall also foster regional economic development, enhance local communities and heighten environmental protection. This shall be  achieved through the regulation of infrastructure, whereas water management - arising as a direct result of the construction of new plants - shall improve flood safety.