Bratislava/Brussels – Slovakia wants to be an active partner of Brussels, but at the same time, it must also protect its interests. This was emphasized by the chairman of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (ÚRSO) Jozef Holjenčík, who discussed key energy topics on Wednesday (November 5) with Lukasz Kolinski (DG ENER) and Anna Vezyroglou (DG ENEST) at the European Commission. Radoslav Igaz, spokesperson for ÚRSO, informed about the meeting, TASR reports.
“It was clearly emphasized at the meeting that Slovakia wants to be an active partner of Brussels in the transformation, but at the same time, we must protect our industrial stability,” specified Jozef Holjenčík. The discussion with Lukasz Kolinski, director for green transformation and integration of energy systems, focused on three areas – support for energy-intensive enterprises, the future of the gas sector, and the integration of renewable energy sources (RES).
The focus of the Slovak energy mix is primarily on nuclear
Holjenčík emphasized that the EU must take into account that the focus of the Slovak energy mix is primarily on nuclear (approximately 65% of electricity production) and this source should also be recognized for its low-carbon contribution. He added that in the near future, the connection of another nuclear unit in Mochovce is planned, which will further positively strengthen Slovakia’s low-carbon energy mix.
The chairman of ÚRSO expressed confusion over the negative stance of the European Commission (EC) regarding the planned pumped storage hydropower plant Ipeľ with a capacity of 500 megawatts, which could serve as a stabilizing element for unstable and variable production from RES, not only in Slovakia but throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
Regarding industrial assistance, the meeting discussed the form of support for energy-intensive enterprises that operates in France and could serve as an inspiration for Slovakia. “The French support model was approved by Brussels. I therefore ask whether Slovakia could also adopt a similar advantageous model, considering the high potential of nuclear energy in both countries’ energy mixes,” said the chairman of ÚRSO.
In the gas sector, Holjenčík pointed out the dependence of the Slovak industry and the need for diversification of supplies, as 58% of the Slovak industry relies on gas, and any drastic restrictions could have a devastating impact on the industry. He therefore asked Kolinski to clarify the positions and plans of the EC on this issue.
The chairman of ÚRSO also informed about the upcoming changes from the Slovak regulator in the area of energy poverty and banded tariffing in Slovakia.
At the meeting with Anna Vezyroglou, director of the department for building institutions, TAIEX, and Twinning, (DG ENEST), Holjenčík presented the successful twinning projects of ÚRSO in Serbia, Azerbaijan, Palestine, Ukraine, and Malawi and declared interest in cooperation with Central Asian countries for the Slovak regulator. (November 6)
