Press centre
Successful year for DEM marks conclusion of old projects and beginning of new ones (Maribor, 19. 12. 2005) - Dravske elektrarne Maribor fortified its position in 2005 as the leading producer of electric power from renewable energy sources.
Dravske elektrarne Maribor (DEM) assesses 2005 as a very successful year. Despite weaker hydrology in the first half of the year, DEM has fulfilled this year’s planned generation of electric power by more than 90% and ended the business year with a profit. In addition to uninterrupted generation and ensured high operational preparedness, they also implemented other activities within the scope of the annual business plan. As a company that generates 80% of all the electric power in Slovenia from renewable resources, the year drawing to a close sees DEM successfully concluding the refurbishment of the upper Drava chain and the continuation of refurbishment work on the lower Drava power plants. Through their application for a concession, DEM has once again confirmed their wish to additionally exploit the potential of the Mura River, where they already maintain a presence. Through its cooperation in the project of construction of HPPs on the lower Sava River, DEM is today already present on three Slovenian rivers: the Drava, Mura and Sava.
At DEM in May, the refurbishment of six upper Drava power plants ( Dravograd HPP, Vuzenica HPP, Vuhred HPP, Ožbalt HPP, Fala HPP and Mariborski otok HPP) was successfully concluded. The finished projects encompass the largest refurbishment of hydroelectric power plants in the history of Slovenia. Net capacity has been increased by a total of 67.3 MW, which is comparable to the addition of another plant. The total value of refurbishment work amounts to 50 billion tolars and was partially financed through a loan from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the first approved loan aimed at companies in independent Slovenia.
With the desire to maximally exploit existing capacities without additional interventions into the environment, DEM also took on the refurbishment of the lower Drava power plants. The next plant scheduled for refurbishment work is Zlatoličje HPP, which has been in operation since 1969, followed by Formin HPP. The refurbishment of Zlatoličje HPP is estimated at 15 billion tolars. Technically, the most demanding part of the reefurbishment encompasses the replacement of turbine and generator equipment, which will take place between 2007 and 2009. As this is a long-term project in terms of the production of equipment, the selection process for contractors has already started this year, with agreements for the purchase of the turbine and generator equipment already signed.
Among projects having first priority, DEM received confirmation in 2005 from Holding Slovenske elektrarne (HSE) for the pumped storage power plant in the region of Kozjak, whose concept had been designed in May and whose energy license had already been acquired. For this important investment, immense harmonisation and demanding preparatory work are already underway. Simultaneously, DEM’s purchase of the Ceršak Small HPP has expanded its presence to the Mura River. DEM, for the additional exploitation of its potential, and in accordance with the guidelines of its owner HSE and the national energy program of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, has already filed an application for the acquisition of a concession. The 30% co-investor continues to participate in the project for the construction of HPPs on the lower Sava River, marking their presence for the first time in their history on three Slovenian Rivers: the Drava, Sava and Mura.
Much attention is also directed annually to DEM’s responsibility to the natural and social environments. Among the larger projects this year is certainly the new nesting island for the Common Tern in Ptuj Reservoir, and the purchase of the Divja vetrnica (Wild Windsail), DEM’s workboat intended for the maintenance of hydroelectric facilities along the Drava River.
Danilo Šef, Managing Director of DEM, also remarked at the end of the year: “Dravske elektrarne Maribor is today without a doubt the most important producer of electric power from renewable resources in Slovenia. Our purpose is, through a developmentally oriented strategy, to increase the economic success of our owner while exploiting all opportunities for accelerated sustainable development that will additionally increase the reliability and competitiveness of our supply. With regard to our mission also in the future, not for one moment will we forget our responsibility to the environment.”
Nevenka Borošak
Business Secretary
Obrežna ulica 170, Maribor
Tel.: +386 2 300 57 55
Fax: +386 2 300 56 65 Contact
