ELECTRICITY consumption in Slovakia is expected to grow over the next few years. The Ministry of Economy and Construction forecasts that power consumption will increase by more than 4 percent year-on-year in 2010 to 28.6 terrawatt hours (TWh). The improved economic situation this year affected the consumption of electricity, which went up by 4 percent from a year ago in the first four months of this year, the SITA newswire reported, citing a report compiled by the ministry.
Power consumption next year is forecast to reach 29.3 TWh, according to the ministry, and is expected to grow to 30 TWh in 2012. The prediction for 2015 is for consumption of almost 32 TWh of power, wrote the department.
The ministry forecasts that electricity consumption in Slovakia will return to 2008 levels by 2012, as consequences from the economic crisis fade. The ministry based its outlook on prognoses of GDP growth and changing energy use. The average annual increase in electricity consumption will range from 0.6 to 2 percent in the period up to 2025, the ministry said.
Last year, Slovakia generated more than 26 TWh of electrical energy. Imports covered 4.8 percent of overall consumption in 2009 compared to 1.75 percent in 2008. The volume of power generated is expected to increase slightly this year, to 26.5 TWh. Over the next five years, Slovakia may report a surplus in energy generation once the steam/gas unit Malženice goes into service.
