LJUBLJANA, April 25 (SeeNews) – ELES, Slovenia’s national transmission and distribution system operator, will invest $5.9 billion over the next decade to upgrade and expand the country’s electricity infrastructure.

The company plans to allocate $4.5 billion to the distribution network and $1.4 billion to transmission network development between 2025 and 2034. From 2025 to 2029, investment will total $2.06 billion, averaging $412 million annually, increasing to $487 million per year from 2030 onward.

By 2034, ELES aims to construct nearly 4,000 new transformer stations, five new medium-voltage distribution stations, and more than 9,300 miles (15,000 km) of new lines. Additionally, over 12,400 miles (20,000 km) of overhead and underground lines will be renovated, along with 4,417 transformer stations and 58 distribution stations.

The investment also includes installing or replacing seven large power transformers, upgrading 19 regional transformer stations, building seven new 110/20 kV stations, and creating extensive infrastructure for solar and wind energy connections. ELES will also upgrade 379 miles (610 km) of high-voltage lines and install 104 miles (167 km) of new optical connections.

The majority of the funding will come from EU grants, loans, and depreciation, though the company warned that electricity distribution tariffs could rise by up to 58.6%, from 26.5%, starting in 2027 to meet investment needs.

Source: seenews.com