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Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant
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Industrial site
The Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ) is the largest thermal energy facility in Slovenia and remains a cornerstone of the national power grid. Located in the Šalek Valley, the plant primarily utilizes lignite supplied by the nearby Velenje Coal Mine. Construction of the first block began in 1947 to support the post-war industrial expansion and increasing electricity demand in the region. Over the decades, the facility has seen continuous expansion with the addition of multiple generation units. Block 6, completed in 2014, is the most modern and efficient unit, although its construction was marked by significant political and environmental debate regarding carbon emissions and costs. The plant produces roughly one-third of Slovenia's total electricity and provides district heating for the surrounding municipalities. In line with European climate policies, Slovenia plans to phase out coal by 2033, necessitating a major structural transformation of the plant toward greener energy sources. Despite the transition, it remains a vital economic engine for the local community.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Pusti grad · Kmetija Pušnik (kontrolna točka - žig) · Rotovnikova jama
- Nearby: Velenje (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 59 | 60 | 72 | 105 | 110 | 113 | 118 | 122 | 89 | 86 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant is the largest thermal power producer in Slovenia, using lignite from the nearby Velenje mine. It covers a significant part of Slovenia's electricity demand and is a major employer in the region.
Visiting
The power plant site is not open to the public as an active industrial facility, but can be viewed from outside. From the surrounding roads and from the town of Šoštanj, the large cooling towers and chimney are clearly visible.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the road to Velenje, from which the entire power plant with its cooling towers can be seen. The panoramic trail on Mount Smrekovec also provides a wide view of the valley and the facility.
Local products
The Šoštanj region is characterized by lignite mining; the power plant generates electricity that feeds into the national grid. In the surroundings, agricultural products such as milk, cheese and fruit from the hills of the Šaleška Valley can be found.
Active season
The power plant runs at full load throughout the year, especially in winter when heating demand rises. In summer, production may be reduced due to lower demand or maintenance works.
Nearby
A visit to the power plant can be combined with a tour of the Velenje coal mine and its museum. Also recommended is a trip to the Golte ski resort or Lake Velenje.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the first power block started in 1947.
- Generates over 35% of Slovenia's total electricity output.
- The state-of-the-art Block 6 entered operation in 2014.
- The plant consumes millions of tons of lignite annually from Velenje.
- A complete phase-out of coal is scheduled for the year 2033.
- It is the primary provider of district heating for the Šalek Valley.
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Sights in the town Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant?
It is Slovenia's largest thermal power plant, generating a significant portion of the country's electricity by burning lignite.
Can the power plant be visited?
Group visits are possible by prior arrangement, focusing primarily on the modern TEŠ 6 unit.
Why is the chimney so famous?
Standing at 230 meters, it is one of Slovenia's tallest structures and dominates the Šaleška Valley skyline.
What fuels are used?
It primarily uses lignite extracted from the nearby Velenje mine.
Are there environmental regulations?
Yes, the plant meets strict EU emission standards through modern filtering and desulfurization systems.
Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant: where is it located?
Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant is located in Slovenia.
Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pusti grad, Kmetija Pušnik (kontrolna točka - žig), Rotovnikova jama.
Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ) is the largest thermal energy facility in Slovenia and remains a cornerstone of the national power grid.
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