The Čierny Váh Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant is the largest pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Slovakia, and is operated by SE. (source: seas.sk)
According to information from Slovenské Elektrárne (SE), Slovakia's dominant electricity generator, hydroelectric power plants in Slovakia can boast a new record for electricity produced in one month, the SITA news agency reports.
In January, they recorded their best collective performance in the last quarter-century. SE says that climate change is one of the factors influencing their success, with the warm winter bringing increased precipitation.
During this period, hydroelectric power plants generated 285,000 MWh of electricity, setting a new 25-year record. Compared to the previous January, this represented an increase of over 100,000 MWh.
Favourable conditions drive Slovakia's energy success
"The hydrological conditions have been abundant in the last three months, and water managers have handled them perfectly. Additionally, we are looking forward to spring, snowmelt, and likely more rainfall," SE noted, as quoted by SITA.
SE's 31 hydroelectric facilities contributed almost 10 percent of the company's total electricity supply. Weather conditions for hydroelectric production in the past year were the most favourable since 2010. In January 2023, energy producers began with lower-than-usual reservoir levels due to the dry conditions in 2022.
"Gradually, however, they filled up for the spring and remained nearly full until the end of the year. November and December were particularly watery, with the Váh Cascade essentially operating at full capacity," SE stated.
SE generates approximately 72 percent of Slovakia's total electricity usage, and operates various facilities, including hydroelectric, nuclear, thermal, and photovoltaic power plants. By the end of 2023, total capacity reached 4,349 MW. In 2023, the plants generated 21,659 GWh of electricity, delivering 19,570 GWh to the grid after deducting their own consumption.
