Energy for the public in Slovakia

Energy on Wheels

Cycling enthusiasts have the opportunity to take part in a professional race as more than 170 cyclists are escorted through the streets with a convoy of cars. Ordinary people can routinely experience this atmosphere within the event of the Tour of Slovakia called Energy on Wheels, initiated by Slovenské elektrárne last year. This year the company took on the role of general partner of this leisure race. During the pilot project in 2014, cyclists rode from Gabčíkovo to Bratislava.

This year, fitter cyclists could have opted for a 42-kilometre long ride round Bratislava-Tomášov-Bratislava. The first 37 kilometres were a casual ride, when all participants rode behind an accompanying vehicle; and only the last five kilometres turned into an organised race — won by Tomáš Meňuš, aged 17. Those less experienced were able to use a shorter, 20-kilometre track which opened the chance for families with children and weekend athletes.

Energy School

Another new initiative prepared by Slovenské elektrárne is Energy Summer School. Though this has been a regular event in neighbouring countries, this year is the first time it takes place in Slovakia. 20 university students will have an opportunity to experience, from July 26 to August 2, an energetic week in the beautiful surroundings of Topoľčianky Castle. Energy Summer School will take place under the auspices of the European Commission Vice President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič.

Best 20 undergraduate and graduate students, chosen by an expert jury will spend one week in the company of top energy specialists, visit energy facilities inaccessible for the general public, undergo professional training and experience a lot of fun.

The aim is to bring the key topic of the day -energy- to the youth and simultaneously to intensify students’ interest in this sector. The ambition of the Energy Summer School is to become a tradition. It is also aimed at strengthening mutual relations between energy companies, academia, NGOs, media as well as experts and analysts in the sector, now when the topic of energy is high on the European agenda.

Energoland

Moreover, in 2014 SE opened the most modern information centre in central Europe, Energoland Mochovce, providing an attractive insight into the story of the power sector for all visitors. The project Centre is equipped with the most innovative interactive and display technologies which provide visitors of all ages with an attractive story of the world of energy from the beginning of the universe to the near future.

(source: Slovenské elektrárne)

Energy in Sustainability and CSR

Slovenské elektrárne has been carrying out its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities under the roof of the Energy for the Country programme since 2008, through which it supports various philanthropic activities divided into the five categories: In addition to sport and education, there is nature, culture and the special category Energy for Life which gives a helping hand to the less fortunate. As examples can serve the project of the DePaul Slovakia shelter for the homeless, the international festival of homeless and community theatres ERROR, support of young recovering drug addicts in the Ľudovítov community, appraisal of works with the Roma within the Roma Spirit project and various charitable and benefit events like Children’s Hour or Smile as a Gift.

Since 2011 the Foundation Fund of Slovenské elektrárne at the Pontis Foundation has been a significant instrument for strategic support of selected projects of CSR and corporate philanthropy. Within it SE allocated more than €190,000 alone during 2014 to support topics like low-budget housing for the Roma minority, support for marginalised population groups, energy efficiency in towns and villages and the fight against corruption. In total, SE allocated almost €520,000 for CSR-related activities in 2014.

For its approach and CSR activities SE won the main award Via Bona for a responsible large corporation in 2014, for a non-discriminatory and non-corrupt approach to business based on equality of chances, many volunteering activities and cooperation with schools in the region.