Air pollutant emissions have decreased in the period 2005−2020 to the levels that enable Slovenia achievement of its 2020 targets. But to reach 2030 targets additional decrease is needed. Reduction of emissions contributed to lower impact on ecosystems and human health, as emissions of pollutants that contribute to acidification, ozone precursors and particles, decreased by half compared to 2005.

Slovenia has a relatively high level of energy intensity, although it has been declining, particularly rapidly in recent years. Between 2005 and 2023, energy intensity decreased at an average annual rate of 3.2%. In 2024, energy intensity increased for the first time since 2016, rising by 2.1%. In 2024, Slovenia’s energy intensity was 37% higher than the EU-27 average, which is 15 percentage points less than in 2005.

Primary energy consumption amounted to 6,297 ktoe in 2024 and increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year. The increase, which occurred for all fuels, was due to both higher final energy consumption and increased electricity production. Primary energy consumption was 120 ktoe (- 1.9%) lower than the indicative target value for 2024 from the National Energy and Climate Plan from 2024 (NECP 2024). The indicative annual value was thus achieved.

The share of renewable sources in total energy consumption was 18.4% in 2024. It remained unchanged compared to the previous year. The growth of RES is very slow and insufficient to achieve the targets in this area.

Over the period 2012-2022, some energy prices increased and some decreased (in constant 2012 prices). Over the same period, the price of electricity for typical industrial consumers increased the most, by 64.4% in real terms, followed by the price of natural gas for industrial consumers, by 5.1%, and the price of fuel oil, by 3.5%. The price of natural gas for typical household consumers decreased the most, by 20.3%, followed by petrol, by 17%, then electricity for households, by 10.7%, and lastly diesel, by 1.7%.

During the period from 2012 to 2022, taxes on energy sources in Slovenia fluctuated, generally decreasing except for electricity for industrial consumers, where they increased due to levies. Between 2020 and 2022, temporary measures were introduced to reduce taxes on certain energy sources due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Compared to the EU-27, the taxation of electricity and natural gas for households in Slovenia was lower, while it was higher for industrial consumers; diesel fuel taxation was higher, while gasoline taxation was lower.

It is estimated that in 2021, over €396 million in energy subsidies was allocated in Slovenia (or 356 € million when adjusted to constant prices in 2015). Incentives for environmentally harmful energy production from fossil fuels and the use of fossil fuels represented 26% of all energy subsidies in 2021, whereas this share was as high as 51% in 2015. Significant progress is observed in subsidizing production from renewable energy sources, CHP, and energy efficiency measures.

In Slovenia, in 2020 the external costs estimate of electricity production ranges from 0.8 - 2.8 € c2000 / kWh. Despite growing environmental awareness, the price of electricity still does not reflect all external costs. Due to incorrect price signals, which are the result of the current situation on the electricity markets, energy sources in Slovenia remain suboptimally used.

Slovenia’s import dependence has been lower in recent years, amounting to 48% in 2023. Further increases in energy efficiency, the use of renewable sources, and the diversification of supply sources are essential. Slovenia is completely import-dependent for liquid fuels and natural gas. With regard to natural gas, Slovenia is import-dependent on two countries, Austria and Algeria. In the past, gas reaching Austria mostly came from Russia, but in recent years the supply structure has become more diversified due to the war and sanctions.

In Slovenia, forests have been growing in terms of growing stock and increment for decades. They have increased by more than 140% over the last 70 years. In addition to natural conditions, harvesting depends on socioeconomic factors, and recently on the occurrence of natural disasters (windbreaks, icebreakers) and bark beetles outbreaks. By 2014, the felling accounted for about 50% of the increment. After the ice storm in 2014, it increased substantially and accounted for 60 to 75% of the total increment of conifers and deciduous trees.