HSE Spearheads Major Solar and Battery Storage Projects in Slovenia
Slovenia’s state-owned energy company, Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE), has made a significant move to expand its renewable energy portfolio by signing contracts for 80 MW of new solar power plants. The deal, valued at an estimated 100 million euros, was signed with a consortium led by Czech company ČEZ ESCO and its Slovenian subsidiary ENERGO ESCO.
The project involves constructing solar plants at three locations—Hodoš, Zlatoličje, and Formin—each equipped with 20 MWh of battery storage. Expected to be operational by the end of 2025, these plants will contribute significantly to Slovenia’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and are part of a larger trend in Slovenia solar power expansion.
HSE’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Battery Storage
As Slovenia’s largest producer of electricity from renewable sources, HSE is actively diversifying its energy production. Building on its strong foundation in hydropower, the company is now focusing on solar and wind energy projects, having already completed the first 3 MW phase of its Brežice solar power plant.
Additionally, HSE plans to build a 50 MW solar power plant equipped with a 10 MWh battery storage system at its Sava River hydropower facility.
HSE’s CEO, Viktor Vračar, outlined the company’s long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of these projects. “By 2030, we plan to have 1.5 GW of solar power, 100 MW of wind power, and 300 MW of battery storage. These projects are essential for our strategy,” Vračar said. HSE’s investments align with broader efforts in Renewable Energy Slovenia, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
A Collaborative Effort for Slovenia’s Green Future
The construction will be handled by a consortium led by ČEZ ESCO, a Czech company specializing in energy services, and its Slovenian subsidiary ENERGO ESCO. This collaboration ensures the projects will benefit from the latest technologies and best practices in the renewable energy sector.
Bojan Lukić, CEO of ENERGO ESCO, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration. “We are pleased to be part of this important project for Slovenia. It is a great example of how international cooperation can lead to significant progress in renewable energy,” Lukić said.
The projects are also expected to stimulate economic growth in the host regions. The construction phase alone is projected to generate hundreds of jobs, while the operation and maintenance of the plants will provide long-term employment opportunities.
Powering Slovenia’s Renewable Energy Goals
Slovenia has set ambitious targets for its renewable energy capacity, aiming to add 1 GW of solar power by 2027 as part of its commitment to the European Union’s climate and energy goals. The nation’s solar energy sector has seen impressive 85 MW Growth in 2025, demonstrating significant progress in renewable energy adoption.
To support this goal, the European Commission has approved Slovenia’s plans to allocate 90 million euros in state aid for solar power development, funding that is expected to accelerate deployment across the country.
HSE’s new plants will play a crucial role in helping Slovenia achieve its targets. Once operational, they will significantly increase the country’s solar capacity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Integrating battery storage is also a key component of Slovenia’s energy strategy, as it will help stabilize the grid and ensure a reliable electricity supply when solar generation fluctuates due to weather conditions.
HSE’s projects mark a significant milestone in Slovenia’s transition to a greener, more sustainable energy future. The collaboration with ČEZ ESCO and ENERGO ESCO demonstrates the power of international partnerships in advancing renewable energy, while Slovenia continues to explore innovative approaches like installing solar panels on railway land to maximize its potential.
