(Ljubljana, Maribor, Šoštanj, Velenje, Nova Gorica, 24 March 2020) – The Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE) Group produces two-thirds of the total electricity generated in Slovenia. As the nation fights the coronavirus epidemic,we continue to be aware of our mission and obligation to secure the safe, stable and reliable production of electricity and, consequently, the undisrupted supply of households, institutions and companies.

Since the epidemic was declared in Slovenia on 12 March 2020, the average daily production by the HSE Group has been 14 GWh of electricity, compared to the average daily production of 15 GWh in February. The hydro power production by the companies Dravske Elektrarne Maribor and Soške Elektrarne Nova Gorica runs undisrupted and according to plan, and is even higher, by 1 GWh, than in the previous month. The production by the sole thermal power plant in the country, the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ), also runs undisrupted.

Work in the Premogovnik Velenje coal mine, the only location in Slovenia where a solid energy product is extracted, is being conducted according to plan. Two excavation sites are currently operable. Their current daily production amounts to more than 12,000 tonnes and this is to be increased to the planned daily production of 15,000 tonnes.

HSE director general Stojan Nikolić is moderately optimistic: “Despite the difficult conditions, which affect not only the atmosphere and motivation, but also the results of our work, we are happy that we have managed to stabilise our operations to the point where they run without disruptions.”

By implementing updated measures for the best possible protection of all employees, including the provision of the required personal protective equipment for employees in the control centre and in electricity production, the HSE secures the undisrupted and reliable daily supply of electricity despite the challenging operating conditions.