At the Innovation of Energy ‘25 conference, Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE) and its project partners presented two innovations – the LEONARDO smart platform and Predictive Power Storage Management – and these placed first and second, respectively, among the best energy innovations of 2025.
The first-placed LEONARDO project is a smart platform that helps predict how much electricity solar power plants and wind turbines will produce and warns of potential technical problems in a timely manner. This enables better production planning, reduces the risk of downtime and increases system efficiency. The first results of the platform, which was created in collaboration between the companies Medius, HSE, Itech and Akson, can be seen at the Prapretno solar power plant, where it contributes to greater production efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
Second place went to the Predictive Power Storage Management innovation, which HSE developed together with the company TAB. HSE has taken over the management of the battery storage facility in Prevalje until the end of 2025, which enables better control and management of electricity, while also testing new ways to produce and use electricity efficiently. The storage facility, which is designed to be safe, reliable and easy to use, can be monitored and controlled remotely.
The conference Innovation of Energy ’25: Building the Future of Energy Together!, on 2 October in Brdo pri Kranju brought together more than 150 experts, entrepreneurs and innovators for the 17th time to discuss the future of the Slovenian energy sector. The event proved once again that the future of energy is created where ideas, knowledge and visions meet. The main round table debate entitled “Energy at a Turning point: How to Achieve Success through Innovation?” features key players in the Slovenian energy sectors – dr. Igor Papič (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation), mag. Aleksander Mervar (power transmission grid operator ELES), Aleš Prešern (Siemens Energy), Roman Ponebšek (GIZ DEE – electricity distribution economic interest grouping), Marjan Eberlinc (gas transmission network operator Plinovodi) and Miha Pečovnik (HSE), who particularly emphasised the role of HSE as one of the key spearheads in the green transition in Slovenia.
“We at HSE are innovative in all areas of our operations – from the production and marketing of electricity to digitisation and the development of new technologies. I specifically believe that innovation is a key competitive advantage for the future. I’m very proud that, for us, innovation is not just a word. It is also embodied by the colleagues who stood behind the lectern today,” emphasised Pečovnik, referring to the people from the production sector who presented the energy innovation. He added that, in many aspects, HSE is a “proving ground, i.e. opportunity for testing innovations”, where knowledge, technology and experience are combined into specific solutions that help develop a modern and competitive energy sector. He also noted the importance of adaptability: “If we understand that changes are needed, then we must also be prepared to accept them. This means that we will have to adapt – be it by changing user habits or by accepting the installation of new necessary production units,” added Pečovnik.
Events like this are exceptionally important, as they bring together experts, entrepreneurs and innovators and encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge. The award-winning solutions not only address specific challenges, but also spread a culture of innovation, which is key to the sustainable development and future of the Slovenian energy sector.
