The Slovenian government has ordered the nuclear power plant Krško (NEK) to operate at a minimum level due to extreme drought conditions affecting the Sava River. During a recent written session, the government announced a lower risk level for energy supply, instructing NEK to maintain operations at least at the minimum capacity necessary for safe and reliable functioning under current hydrological and meteorological conditions. This decision follows reports that water levels on the Sava have dropped to record lows, creating challenges for hydropower generation and raising concerns over grid stability. The situation has been exacerbated by prolonged heatwaves and reduced rainfall across much of Europe. Satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel 2 system reveal severely diminished river channels, with some sections appearing almost dry. The Danube River, which flows through several countries including Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria, has reached historic low levels, forcing reductions in electricity production from both nuclear and hydroelectric facilities. In Hungary, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which generates nearly half of the country’s electricity, has shut down one of its eight turbines and may remain offline for weeks due to insufficient cooling water. Similarly, Serbia's largest hydroelectric facility, Đerdap 1, is operating at just 20% of its capacity, with visible sandbars and dried-out riverbeds along its banks. In Slovenia, the Sava River has also experienced critically low flow rates, prompting the government to order NEK to reduce reactor output to 80% during the night of Thursday. According to analyses by ELES, the national transmission system operator, there is sufficient available energy in the grid even if the nuclear plant were to cease operations entirely. However, these analyses also highlight potential issues with maintaining proper voltage levels in the 400-kilovolt network should the plant be forced to halt. As a result, the government has issued a lower risk alert for the period from August 6 to August 12, 2026, requiring NEK to operate at a minimum level to ensure grid stability. State Secretary for Energy Tomaz Zagarec explained on the television program Odmevi that the primary concern is grid stability rather than overall energy consumption. He noted that if NEK were to shut down completely, the issue could become more severe. Currently, half of the required electricity was supplied by NEK, while the other half came from solar plants. A small portion was imported, though this is expected to increase as conditions worsen. While higher electricity prices are anticipated, they will primarily affect businesses without long-term contracts, not households or consumers with fixed-rate agreements. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s energy group GEN, which operates both nuclear and hydroelectric plants, has reported a daily reduction of approximately 2,500 megawatt-hours in electricity production compared to normal levels. The shortfall is being partially compensated by purchases on the open market and increased operation of the thermal power plant Brestanica. Director Boštjan Pišotek of Hydroelectric Plants on the Lower Sava emphasized that while hydroelectric output has declined significantly, currently producing about a third of usual levels, the plants remain operational and capable of reducing output further if needed. Accumulation of water in reservoirs continues to act as a buffer, helping to stabilize supply. At the Brestanica Thermal Power Plant, manager Tomaz Kastelic stated that the facility is currently running mainly during peak hours when renewable sources alone cannot meet demand. Prices during these periods can reach up to 500 euros per megawatt-hour, though average costs range between 180 and 265 euros. Despite the current challenges, officials insist that the existing market conditions will not lead to higher prices for consumers with long-term contracts. The situation remains fluid, with continued monitoring of water levels and energy demand as the summer progresses.
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