SUMMARY:
Slovenia has untapped potential in the use of renewable energy sources, especially wind. Because of its elevated relief, research shows that there is enough wind in the country to capitalise on wind energy investments and effectively implement wind power technology. Currently, eight national spatial plans are under preparation. Renewable energy resource projects are also supported by the Slovenian Energy Agency’s existing feed-in tariff scheme. Backing such initiatives in the national energy and climate plan could improve the feasibility of the projects and could incentivise further investments.
OVERVIEW:
Slovenia is in central Europe, estimated population is 2 119 000. Slovenia occupies an area of 20 273 km2. The nation’s capital is Ljubljana, the official language is Slovene.
ENERGY:
Slovenia’s current energy mix represents a challenge in the process towards decarbonisation. Out of gross inland energy consumption, 34% was accounted for by oil and petroleum products, 22% by nuclear energy, followed by solid fuels and renewables (14%) and natural gas (10%). Domestic sources covered half of Slovene energy needs in 2017. For the other half, Slovenia depended on imports of petroleum products, natural gas and coal of high calorific values. In 2017, nuclear energy was the primary source of electricity generation (accounting for 39%), followed by coal and renewable sources, mainly hydropower (29%).
RELIEF:
Slovenia is mostly elevated. Outside the coastal area, its terrain consists largely of karstic plateaus and ridges, magnificently precipitous Alpine peaks, and (between the elevated areas) valleys, basins, and arable or pastorally useful karstic poljes. The only major flat area is in the northeast.
CLIMATE:
Central and northern Slovenia has a continental “cool summer” climate; the eastern third of the country also falls into the continental category but has warm summers. Monthly summer rainfall in the cool belt is more than 80 mm, and high temperatures average in the upper 20 °C’s, although there are uncomfortable hot spells. The east and northeast have much less overall precipitation, and midsummer highs reach well past 21 °C.
ECONOMY:
With excellent infrastructure, a well-educated workforce, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe, Slovenia has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Central Europe, Slovenia’s growth potential is increasing. Inflation remains moderate. Investment remains below the EU’s and Slovenia’s long-term average levels. In the coming years, annual GDP growth is expected to remain at 2.7%.
Unemployment rate: 7.64% (2019 est.) 8.25% (2018 est.)
TRANSPORT NETWORK:
Slovenia’s eastern Alpine location and easily accessible transit routes have been crucial since antiquity. Two major highway-rail corridors cross present-day Slovenia, one running from Iran to northwestern Europe and the other from Spain to Russia. The country’s principal international airport is located about 12 miles (20 km) north of Ljubljana at Brnik, and there are other airports at Maribor and Portorož.