The Kozjak Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant (PSP) project, with a capacity of 2 x 220 MW and 2 x 400 kV transmission lines to the existing Maribor-Kainachtal international transmission line, has been included in the national spatial plan (DPN). The project is included in the \"Slovenian Network Development Plan 2023–2032\" and in the National Energy and Climate Plan.
Dravske elektrarne Maribor, a member of the HSE Group, and ELES are using the project to pursue their mission of green transition and the National Energy and Climate Plan.
They aim to conduct each phase of the project in close dialogue with all stakeholders. For this purpose, they have established the Kozjak PSP Project Board, which consists of:
"The purpose of establishing the Kozjak PSP Project Council is strategic communication and cooperation between the investor and the mayors of the Municipalities of Selnica ob Dravi, Pesnica and Maribor. Only by working together we can achieve a correct and fast transfer of information. I am delighted that the mayors support the project.", emphasised mag. Damjan Seme, Chief Executive Officer of Dravske elektrarne Maribor.
Boštjan Barl, Director of Transmission Network Infrastructure Division at ELES, stressed the importance of cooperation and support of the local community: "We have positive experience in the construction of the Cirkovce-Pince transmission line. Cooperation with the mayors has been extremely constructive and we would like to do the same in the construction of the Kozjak PSP plant."
Dr. Tomaž Štokelj, Chief Executive Officer of HSE, welcomed the cooperation in the region: "I am pleased that you have succeeded in establishing the Kozjak PSP Project Council and that the mayors of all three municipalities where construction is to take place support the project.” He also emphasised the importance of cooperation with the local community and proposed to engage in a dialogue with the residents of all three municipalities.
Following a decade of project stagnation, during which the energy markets were not favourable to such investments, the activities of the Kozjak PSP are continuing with high intensity.
