The Government of Slovenia has adopted a decree on the spatial plan for what is set to become the country's largest solar power plant. The decision paves the way for the issuance of a building permit for the new facility, which will be developed by Dravska elektrarna Maribor, a key Slovenian energy producer operating hydroelectric plants along the Drava River.

The planned facility will have an initial capacity of 30 megawatts (MW) and will consist of eight photovoltaic units -- five in Zlatoličje and three in Formin. Each unit will include its own transformer station and be connected through underground cable infrastructure.

The decree sets out detailed technical, environmental, safety, and landscape design conditions. However, it does not specify a fixed capacity figure, allowing for flexibility in line with ongoing technological advancements. The total project area spans four municipalities: Starše, Hajdina, Gorišnica, and Markovci.

Importantly, the new solar facility will be integrated with existing hydroelectric infrastructure to enable coordinated operation, improving the efficiency of renewable energy usage and enhancing grid stability. Additionally, it will help ease pressure on the medium-voltage electricity network.

This strategic development marks a significant step in Slovenia's energy transition and commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity.

Source: Ministrstvo za okolje, podnebje in energijo