The largest complex of solar power plants in Slovenia has been built near the Brežice Power Plant

The largest solar power complex in Slovenia has been completed near the Brežice hydroelectric plant by the company Hidroelektrarne na spodnji Savi (HESS). Two new solar plants were added to existing facilities, bringing the total capacity to 9.34 megawatts. The project cost over four million euros and covers 9.4 hectares of land located on sediment deposits along the flow accumulation area of the Brežice hydroelectric plant, avoiding the need to encroach on agricultural land. These two new plants will generate approximately 10,515 megawatt-hours annually, enough to supply electricity to around 2,750 households. Combined with the existing plant, they will provide energy for about 4,550 households yearly. One of the new plants is connected to the transmission grid and serves as the fifth unit of the Brežice hydroelectric plant, using its flow accumulation as a natural storage facility. The other is directly connected to the distribution network of Elektra Celje, supplying electricity directly to homes and the grid. The director of HESS, Boštjan Pišotek, highlighted the complexity of the project and the efficiency of the team involved. Future plans include new projects utilizing decom

Hidroelektrarne na Spodnji Savi (HESS) has expanded the solar facility adjacent to the Brezice hydroelectric plant on the Sava River in southern Slovenia, creating the country’s largest photovoltaic complex. The company added two new solar fields to the original plant, which was completed in 2023. Together, the new installations possess a combined capacity of 9.34 megawatts. This expansion brings the total annual production of the entire complex to 17,355 megawatt-hours, sufficient to supply approximately 4,550 households. The two new solar farms cost slightly more than four million euros to construct. They occupy a total area of 9.4 hectares situated along the riverbank. Specifically, the panels are installed on sediment deposition areas bordering the run-of-the-river accumulation basin of the Brezice hydroelectric plant. Because the site consisted of previously degraded land, the installation process did not require the conversion of any agricultural soil into industrial use. Director Boshtjan Piskotek described the initiative as a demanding project managed primarily by an internal HESS team, with external partners contributing significantly to spatial planning. He noted that modifying the municipal detailed spatial plan required less than two years. Furthermore, authorities issued the construction permit in under six months, a timeline he described as ideal for projects of this magnitude. The physical construction phase lasted 14 months. One of the new solar units is integrated into the transmission grid and functions as the fifth aggregate of the Brezice hydroelectric plant. It utilizes the river reservoir as a natural battery to store and balance energy output. The second unit connects directly to the local distribution network operated by Elektro Celje, delivering electricity straight to residential consumers and the regional grid. Andrej Vizjak, director of Gen Energija, the corporate parent of HESS, stated that these additions serve as an extra power source for the group. He characterized the move as a step toward national energy self-sufficiency, noting that Slovenia currently consumes more electricity than it produces. Vizjak expressed satisfaction with every additional megawatt generated. He also predicted a trend of pairing power plants with battery storage systems. A larger battery storage project connected to the transmission grid will begin this year at the Brestanica thermal power plant. Polona Rifelj, the minister for environment and space, attended the presentation. She emphasized that transitioning to renewable energy requires concrete projects and thoughtful decisions. She argued that planners must consider not only energy yield but also how new infrastructure fits into the landscape and affects local communities and the environment. She stressed the importance of responsible, long-term energy planning that respects local conditions. Looking ahead, HESS plans further developments. Future opportunities for solar installations exist on degraded areas and the banks of the planned Mokrice run-of-the-river reservoir. By 2030, the company intends to establish larger battery storage facilities near both the Brezice hydroelectric plant and the solar farms. Background data indicates that Slovenia relies heavily on solar expansion due to public opposition to wind turbines. Total installed solar capacity exceeded 1.6 gigawatts at the end of last year, representing a threefold increase since 2021. Solar generation accounted for one-tenth of all domestic electricity production during that period.

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RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 88yesterday

The largest complex of solar power plants in Slovenia has been built near the Brežice Power Plant

Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the construction of a solar power complex in Slovenia, focusing on technical specifications, costs, and environmental considerations. It includes quotes from officials but does not exhibit overtly biased language or selective sourcing. The content is a

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details such as the total power output (9.34 MW), the surface area (9.4 hectares), and the annual energy production (10,515 MWh). These figures are internally consistent and align with typical data found in similar renewable energy projects. The claim that this is the l

Why objectivity (88): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on facts like project size, cost, and technical specifications. It includes quotes from an official, which helps maintain balance. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though the emphasis on the success of the project may subt

The Slovenia TimesIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 9021 hr. ago

Major solar complex now biggest in country

A solar power facility adjacent to the Brežice hydroelectric plant on the Sava River in southern Slovenia has been expanded to become the country's largest photovoltaic complex. The addition of two new solar fields covering over nine hectares brings the total capacity to 9.35 MW peak, with an estimated annual output of 17.3 GWh sufficient to power more than 4,500 households. One of the new units functions as an auxiliary generator for the hydro plant, utilizing the river reservoir for energy storage, while the other connects directly to the regional grid managed by Elektro Celje. Project leaders highlighted the rapid permitting process, noting that spatial planning changes took under two years and building permits were issued within six months. The installation utilizes a former industrial site, avoiding the degradation of agricultural land, and contributes to national goals for increased domestic energy production.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses primarily on technical specifications, construction timelines, and corporate achievements regarding renewable energy infrastructure. While it mentions the broader context of national energy self-sufficiency and public opposition to wind turbines, the tone remains factual and non-

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (90): The tone is professional and informative. While it quotes executives positively, it does not use hyperbolic or emotionally charged language. It presents the expansion as a factual development rather than a triumphalist narrative.

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The largest complex of solar power plants in Slovenia has been built near the Brežice Power Plant

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