COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Slovenia Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Slovenia, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 238 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Slovenia Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208 à 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 237} {SWD(2015) 239 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
         Slovenia 

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

The macroeconomic significance of the energy sector in Slovenia is considerably higher than in the 
EU27 both in terms of share of the sector in total gross value added and in total employment. The 
two shares also increased visibly between 2005 and 2012 further distancing the EU average.  

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share 
of  direct  and 
indirect  renewable  energy 
related  employment  in  total  employment  of 
the economy in Slovenia was at about 0.42%, 
below the EU average of 0.53%. 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

Slovenia's energy trade deficit has been consistently higher than that of the EU28 both in 2006 and in 
2014 but it has slightly improved over the period. The largest component is the oil trade deficit while 
the electricity trade balance actually moved to a surplus in 2013 and 2014. Despite the energy trade 
deficit, the country's current account moved from a small deficit in 2006 to a large surplus of more 
than 6% in 2014 however mostly due to a contraction of domestic demand and therefore imports.    

0.01.02.03.020052012SIEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.00.40.81.220052012SIEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Source: EUROSTAT 
Note: Current account balance for EU28 from European Commission (AMECO) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix of Slovenia is broadly in line with the one of the EU-28, with the notable difference of a 
higher share of nuclear and lower of gases. Compared to 1995, the share of solid fuels and petroleum 
and  products  decreased  (from  23%  to  19%  and  from  38  to  34%  of  gross  inland  energy  consumption 
respectively),  while  the  share  of  renewable  energy  increased  more  than  twofold,  by  9  percentage 
points. The share of gases decreased slightly, from 11 to 10% of the energy mix. 

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

The import dependency1 in Slovenia is in line with the one of the EU as a whole. Import dependency is 
really high for petroleum products and gas. In addition, Slovenia imports most of its gas from Russia2. 
However,  Slovenia  has  access  to  several  import  sources  and  imports  from  Russia  are  based  on  price-
considerations. The energy trade deficit (mostly on oil), expressed in percentage of GDP, is high and well 
above EU average.   

1   Note: A dependency rate in excess of 100% indicates that energy products have been stocked. 
2  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 
countries). 

2 

-6-4-202468SIEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -6-4-202468SIEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2014  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

figures, 

to  Commission 

the  percentage  of 

According 
interconnection capacity was 65% in 2014 for Slovenia. 
Slovenia has several electricity Projects of Common Interest, including 
two  electricity  clusters  with  a  high  voltage  transmission  line  between 
Slovenia,  Croatia  and  Hungary  and  a  high  voltage  transmission  line 
between  Slovenia  and  Italy.  Further  strengthening  of  the  national 
power grid is needed to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the 
national electricity system and cross-border flows (trade). 

the 

There are several gas Projects of Common Interest, which are relevant 
for Slovenia, including interconnections between Hungary and Slovenia 
as well as with Croatia and Austria. These projects will enhance market 
integration and contribute to the security of supply in the region. 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Source: European Commission based on 
ENTSO-E scenario outlook and adequacy 
forecast 2014 
Note:  Reference  to  2030  target  is 
based  on  October  2014  European 
Council conclusions stating  that  "the 
Commission will also report regularly 
to  the  European  Council  with  the 
objective of arriving at a 15% target 
by 2030" 

Market concentration index for power generation 
(left) and gas supply (right) (2013) (Herfindahl index – 
10000 means monopoly) 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and 
Platts Power Vision 

Concentration  on  power  generation  markets  is  high, 
and above EU average. The modest market size does 
not facilitate the development of many generators.  
Regarding  gas,  the  principal  importer  is  supplying 
about 66% (down from 90%) of the wholesale market 
and about 58% of the retail market.  
Wholesale  electricity  prices  are  slightly  below  EU 
average,  while  wholesale  gas  prices  are  above. 
Nevertheless, the absence of price regulation allowed 
a  new  player  to  enter  the  market  with  a  pricing 

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)SloveniaEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Russia57.9Russia39.0Norway29.5Algeria9.7Qatar6.752%47%101%96%100%100%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasSIEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

strategy  very  different  from  that  of  the  existing 
players  and  obliging  the  incumbent  suppliers  to 
modify their price strategies. 
Consumers'  overall  assessment  of  retail  gas  and 
electricity  markets,  which  is  fully  liberalised,  scores 
the  highest  and  second  highest  in  the  EU 3.  The 
switching rate for electricity was at 3.9%. and 5.1% for 
gas.    The  vast  majority  of  switches  were  undertaken 
by  household  customers  who  changed  their  supplier 
following  the  entrance  of  competition 
into  the 
household market segment. 
Slovenia  has  rolled-out  29%  of  smart  meters  in 
electricity. 

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

The  inflation  rate  of  Slovenia  was  similar  to  that  of  the  Euro  area  prior  to  the  crisis  and  the  energy 
component  had  a  large  impact  especially  in  2005  and  2006.  After  2007  the  inflation  rate  increased 
above the Euro area average and then fell significantly between 2008 and 2009 and remained around 
the  Euro  area  average  ever  since.  The  contribution  of  the  energy  component  has  remained  a 
significant  determinant  of  the  changes  in  consumer  prices  in  Slovenia,  after  the  crisis,  while  the 
contribution of the non-energy component has been less important than for the Euro area average.  

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

According to three proxy indicators from the 
EUROSTAT  SILC  survey,  fuel  poverty  seems 
to be above the EU average in Slovenia and 
particularly  regarding  arrears  on  utility  bills. 
In  2013,  due  to  unpaid  electricity  bills  in 
Slovenia  the  supply  was  stopped  to  6877 
household  consumers,  0.03  percentage 
in  2012.  Nevertheless, 
point  more  than 
vulnerable  consumers 
in  Slovenia  are 
protected  by  the  Energy  Law  which  forbids 
the disconnection of low-income households 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

3  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

4 

-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsSlovenia : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-2024620052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEA : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

with  arrears  on  energy  bills.  Consequently, 
the  annual  national  regulatory  authority's 
report states that only few consumers were 
recognised as vulnerable in 2013. 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(7.3 Mtoe primary energy and 5.1 Mtoe final energy) 

primary 

expressed 

Slovenia’s  2020  energy  efficiency  target  is  7.3 
energy 
in 
Mtoe 
consumption  (5.09  Mtoe  expressed  in  final 
energy  consumption).  When  comparing  the 
trend of primary energy consumption with the 
GDP development over the past decades, it can 
be  seen  that  no  decoupling  of  both  has  taken 
place. Even if Slovenia’s current primary energy 
consumption  (6.7  Mtoe  in  2013)  is  slightly 
target,  additional  efforts 
below 
regarding  energy  efficiency  seem  needed  to 
keep  the  primary  energy  consumption  at  this 
level or to minimise its increase when the GDP 
increases  again  during  the  next  five  year 
period.  

its  2020 

 Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national 
energy  efficiency  targets  as  declared  by  the  MS  under  the  Energy 

Efficiency Directive 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in  Slovenia has decreased  since 2005, but remains above EU average.  A high 
energy intensity reduction is recorded in the industrial sector, i.e. about 27% since 2005 and 2013, but it 
also remains above EU average.  

Primary energy intensity of the economy      

Final energy intensity in industry 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and European 

Commission /AMECO 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and European 
Commission /AMECO 

Specific energy consumption by households is  above EU average and decreased at a similar pace than 
the EU average.  The specific energy  intensity of passengers cars  decreased slightly  between 2005 and 
2010  which  reflects  a  more  efficient  usage  of  cars.  The  specific  energy  intensity  for  freight  transport 
increased between 2005-2010 more than the EU average.  

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Final  energy 
residential sector, climate corrected 

consumption  per  m2 

in 

Specific energy intensity for passenger cars and freight transport4

Source: European Commission based on  Odyssee 

database 

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based  on  EU 
Commission and EU MS inputs   

EU legislation sets mandatory CO2 emission reduction targets for new cars and vans. By 2021, the fleet 
average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet average 
is set at 147 g/km by 2020. 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the inland freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% by rail, 
7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 82% by 
private car, 9% by buses and coaches, 7% by railways and 2% by tram and metro.   

Modal shares Slovenia 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

4  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 

6 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(+4% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

In  2014,  the  emissions  decreased  with 
respect  to  2005,  so  that  the  interim  target 
for  2014  will  be  overshot  by  a  margin  of 
13.8%.  
According to the latest projections, Slovenia 
is  on  track  to  reach  its  greenhouse  gas 
for  2020  as 
emission  reduction  target 
compared to 2005.  

Emissions 

Non-ETS 
(vs. 2005) 
Projections with 
existing measures 
2020 
Proxy 2014 

Projections/proxy 

target 

-8% 

-12% 

+4% 

+3% 

Source:  European Commission based  on  EEA.  Based  on  preliminary  inventory 
data. 

ESD  (Effort  Sharing  Decision)  emissions  are  the  emissions  from  sectors  not 

covered by the EU ETS.  

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (25%) 

With  a  renewable  energy  share  of  21.5%  in 
2013,  Slovenia  is  on  track  to  reach  its  25% 
target in 2020. 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

  The share of emissions from transport is well above the EU average also due to the transit traffic 
across  the country.  In  Slovenia  transport is  the most  energy-intensive sector,  with its  share  in 
energy consumption increasing since 2005.  

  Slovenia's carbon intensity of the economy has been decreasing and is around 50% higher than 

 

the EU average.  
In 2014 the revenues from the auctioning of ETS allowances amounted to EUR 16.6 million, out 
of which 55% are planned to be used for climate and energy related purposes (energy efficiency 
and sustainable transport, mainly). 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Largest Sectors of GHG 
Emissions in 2012(*) 

Energy/power industry  

Transport 

Industry  

Agriculture (incl. forestry & 
fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

Slovenia 

EU 
Average 

33% 

31% 

14% 

11% 

8% 

3% 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

(*) 
Sectoral 
breakdow
n for 2013 
data not 

available 

GHG Emissions 

Slovenia 

EU 

EU ETS auctioning revenues 
in 2014(EUR millions) 

Share of ETS emissions in 
2013 

GHG emissions/capita in 
2013 (tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon intensity of 
economy in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent/EUR 
millions) 

16.6 

3205 

41% 

42% 

8.8 

8.5 

517 

328 

Source: European Commission based on EEA 

. 

ENERGY & TRANSPORT TAXATION 

In 2005 energy and transport taxes as a share of GDP in Slovenia were more or less in line with the 
EU  average,  despite  some  differences  in  their  composition.  By  2012  the  gap  with  the  EU  had 
widened.  Slovenia  displays  a  considerable  increase  by  nearly  40%  in  the  transport  fuel  taxes, 
expressed  as  a  share  of  GDP,  which  is  mainly  due  to  increased  consumption  of  fossil  fuels  in  the 
transport sector. This has brought the overall energy end transport taxation at considerably higher 
level than the EU28 average.  

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Slovenia is near the EU average, above the US and below Japan and South Korea in terms of public 
support share allocated to research and innovation in the field of sustainable energy, low-carbon and 
environment. In terms of intensity of low-carbon technologies patents, Slovenia is much behind the 
EU average and main worldwide partners. 

8 

0.01.02.03.04.0SIEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.04.0SIEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

The real unit energy costs5 in Slovenia are in line 
with  the  EU  average  but  higher  than  in  the  US. 
Real  energy  prices  have  increased  in  Slovenia 
over  the  past  ten  years  while  energy  intensity6 
has slightly improved.  
Retail electricity prices for industrial customers in 
Slovenia  are  below  the  EU  average  and  at  the 
level  of  other  trading  partners.  Retail  gas  prices 
for industrial consumers are above EU28 average 
and  higher  than  in  the  US  and  in  other  non-EU 
OECD trading partners except Japan. 

Source: European Commission 

Source: EUROPEAN COMMISSION based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY  

  Slovenia has not yet established a comprehensive medium to long-term strategy for climate 

and energy covering the post-2020 period. 

5  
6  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. 
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19".  

9 

10.99.58.213.713.28.813.713.78.00246810121416SIEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

  An Operational Programme for Reducing GHG Emissions by 2020 with an outlook to 2030 has 
been adopted by the Government in December 2014. The Operational Programme includes 
indicative goals for 2030.  

  The 2014 Energy Act provides a legal basis for the adoption of national strategic documents 
that will determine the long-term trend in energy supply and use. Following the adoption of 
the  act,  the  process  of  adopting  the  Energy  Concept  (to  be  adopted  in  2016)  has  been 
launched  in  June  2015  by  publishing  a  public  consultation  document.  A  National  Energy 
Development  Plan  will  also  be  developed,  which  will  guide  major  investments  in  energy 
infrastructure in the future.  

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 
GHG reduction  

Renewable energy  
Efficiency 
Energy 
savings 

/ 

Targets 

(but 

for 

No 
indicative 
goals 
2030) 
No 
No 

Comments 
Indicative  2030  sectorial  targets  to  reduce  GHG 
emissions  compared  to  2005  emission  levels  in  the 
non-ETS sectors  

7. Regional cooperation 

Slovenia is a member of the High Level Group on Central and South Eastern Europe Gas Connectivity 
(CESEC)  together  with  Austria,  Bulgaria,  Croatia,  Greece,  Hungary,  Italy,  Romania  and  Slovak 
Republic.  The  objective  of  the  High  Level  Group  is  to  establish  a  regional  priority  infrastructure 
roadmap  and  advance  its  implementation  in  order  to  develop  missing  infrastructure  and  improve 
security  of  gas  supplies.  Slovenia  also  participates  at  the  Central  &  Eastern  European  Electricity 
(CEEE)  Forum,  supporting  electricity  markets  integration  (with  Austria,  Czech  Republic,  Germany, 
Hungary, Poland and Slovakia).  

Furthermore, Slovenia participates in 2 other regional cooperation groups: 

  North-South Interconnections in Central and South Eastern Europe (North-South East); 
  Southern Gas Corridor. 

8. Cohesion policy contribution 

The EU Cohesion policy provides for important investment possibilities to implement energy policy 
objectives  in  Slovenia  which  will  be  complemented  by  national  public  and  private  co-financing, 
aiming at optimal leverage. It also ensures integrated territorial solutions to challenges by supporting 
capacity  building,  technical  assistance  and  cross-border  cooperation  such  as  the  Danube  Region, 
Adriatic and Ionian Region, and Alpine Region macro-regional strategies in which Slovenia takes part. 

Internal energy market: Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 20 million in smart 
electricity  distribution  grids  in  Slovenia.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around 
300 000 additional users connected to smart grids. 

Energy  efficiency:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  282  million  in  energy 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Slovenia 

efficiency improvements in public and residential buildings and in SMEs, as well as in high-efficiency 
cogeneration and district heating in Slovenia. A further estimated EUR 188 million will be invested in 
supporting the move towards an energy-efficient, decarbonised transport sector. These investments 
are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  2 500 households  with  improved  energy  consumption 
classification  and  a  decrease  of  around  23  000  000  kWh  per  year  of  decreased  primary  energy 
consumption  of  public  buildings,  as  well  as  to  around  25  km  of  reconstructed  or  upgraded  railway 
lines. 

Decarbonisation:  Overall,  the  EU  Cohesion  Policy  investments  in  Slovenia  over  2014-2020  are 
expected to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 63 000 tonnes of CO2eq. 
Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 12 million in renewable energy in Slovenia. 
These investments are expected to contribute to around 80 MW of additional capacity of renewable 
energy production. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest 
significantly  in  R&I  and  in  SME  competitiveness  in  Slovenia.  This  will  be  based  on  the  national 
strategy for smart specialisation. At this stage, at least EUR 70 million is foreseen for investments in 
R&I and adoption of low-carbon technologies in Slovenia, but this might increase further in line with 
the evolving content of the smart specialisation strategy.  

11