In a significant stride toward a greener future, Slovakia has ceased operations at its last coal-fired power plant, marking a pivot to an electricity generation matrix that will soon be entirely devoid of direct CO2 emissions. The Vojany power station, which first powered up in 1966, has officially stopped production, propelling Slovakia towards its goal to be coal-free by mid-2024.
The move by Slovenské elektrárne, the plant’s owner, signifies a remarkable shift in energy policy for the Eastern European nation, which had initially targeted the year 2030 for its coal phase-out. However, the expedited plan now aligns Slovakia with countries like Belgium, Austria, Sweden, and Portugal in their coal-free ambitions. The Vojany coal plant’s final units, each with a capacity of 110 MW, will not generate electricity henceforth, and by the end of June, the plant will close down operations completely.
Operator Slovenské elektrárne previously trialed alternative fuel sources such as waste and biomass incineration but deemed these alternatives unreliable and insufficient, echoing the circumstances that led to the earlier closure of the Nováky coal plant at the end of the last year. “We were unable to obtain alternative fuel at such a volume to allow us to operate the power plant. We have no choice but to close it,” stated Branislav Strýček, general director of Slovenské Elektrárne.
Economic pressures played a substantial role in the plant’s closure, with the long-term fall in electricity prices and the high cost of C02 permits and coal making the operation of the Vojany plant increasingly untenable. Confirming this trend, the Slovak daily Dennikn reported that the station had produced almost no electricity in recent years, further underlining the financial impracticability of sustaining the coal facility.
As the Vojany site approaches its final shutdown, Slovenské elektrárne is already considering its transformation for more sustainable purposes. The company plans to clean up the onsite landfill and the sludge pond, ensuring they do not pose environmental risks. The utility firm is also exploring greener applications for the site, such as developing a solar park or establishing battery storage solutions.
The transition away from coal in Slovakia reflects a broader European trend, as the continent grapples with aging nuclear reactors and seeks to maintain a balance between energy supply, affordability, and environmental commitments. The shift is imperative as countries aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move toward a climate-neutral future while also mitigating the impacts of volatile energy markets.
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