How can we thus guarantee the supply of electric power to consumers? Slovenia's dependence on current imports of electric power amounts to almost 20% and is predicted to rise in the future. The strong interconnectedness of the Slovenian electric power system still allows for coverage of the deficiency of energy through imports from neighbouring countries. However, problems with supply experienced by neighbouring countries, especially Italy, have in the past shown that increased dependence on imports could have negative effects on reliable supplies. In the future, the reliable supply of electric power to consumers will no longer be taken for granted as it has been until recently. Additionally, electrical blackouts, such as those experienced in Europe in recent years, will no longer be improbable.

Slovenia is not rich in energy resources. Coal is slowly becoming scarce, and there are no oil or gas fields, leaving only alternative energy sources (solar and wind energy), which are modest. The greatest domestic energy reserve source is hydroelectric energy. Hydroelectric energy represents only a 28% share in Slovenia. Simultaneously, less than 43% of the hydroelectric power potential in Slovenia is being used.

It is exactly the increased exploitation of hydro-energy potential in which we at DEM see our greatest development potential. We want to maintain our role as the largest and most important producer of hydroelectric energy in Slovenia, so we have directed our development activities at the following areas:

• Refurbishment of older generating units to achieve greater power and production capacities;
• Preparations for the construction of a hydroelectric power plants on the Mura River;
• Financial and personnel engagement in the construction of hydroelectric power plants on the Sava River;
• Preparations for construction of the pumped storage power plant on the Drava River.

The implementation of such an ambitious development plan would lead to DEM doubling the current power of its generating units and increasing production by 50% in 15 years. This would guarantee Slovenia important quantities of reliable, safe and price-competitive electric power from a renewable (and the most ecologically clean) energy source.