Slovenia partially considered Brussels’ recommendations in updating the NEPN

Brussels – Slovenia has only partially taken into account the recommendations of the European Commission in preparing the updated national energy and climate plan (NECP), as evident from the commission’s document. Brussels is urging the Slovenian authorities to prepare measures to increase the use of renewable energy sources and a timeline for phasing out support for fossil fuels.

The European Commission published a detailed assessment of the draft updated NECP of Slovenia in December 2023 and provided recommendations. Slovenia sent the final updated plan to Brussels last December, according to which it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22 percent between 1990 and 2030.

Among the few recommendations that the commission is satisfied with is the addition of information on how it intends to achieve the goal of a 27 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2005 in sectors not included in the emissions trading system. This includes road transport, buildings, agriculture, waste, and small enterprises. According to the measures in the plan, emissions will be reduced by 28.6 percent by 2030.

In implementing the NECP, Slovenia should pay attention, according to the commission, to timely implementing additional measures to reduce emissions in these sectors.

On the other hand, Slovenia did not take into account the recommendation regarding carbon dioxide emissions capture, nor does the plan explain how it intends to gradually phase out support for fossil fuels, which was one of the recommendations.

In the area of decarbonization, Slovenia has partially followed the recommendation regarding adaptation to climate change, while in the area of renewable energy sources, there is a call to raise the target for their use in final energy consumption.

In the plan, it committed to achieving a share of renewable energy use of 33 percent by 2030, which is still significantly lower than the 46 percent calculated based on relevant European legislation, the commission’s document states. (May 28)