Small Modular Reactors, Industry Demand and Slovenia’s Energy Future

With coal phase-out approaching, increasing electrification, and growing industrial and digital demand, the question is no longer if new low-carbon baseload capacity will be needed, but what form it should take, how quickly it can be deployed, and under which conditions it becomes viable. 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are increasingly positioned as a potential solution, offering flexibility, scalability, and alignment with net-zero ambitions. However, their deployment raises critical questions around regulation, certification, financing, and real-world implementation timelines.

At the same time, Slovenia’s future energy demand is becoming more complex, driven by energy-intensive industry, data infrastructure, and broader electrification. Aligning supply-side innovation with demand-side realities will be essential. So what might a realistic, investable, and secure energy path for Slovenia look like?

Simultaneous translations (SLO-ENG and ENG-SLO) will be provided during the event.

Program:

9:30–10:00 | Arrival and Registration

10:00–10:15 | Opening Remarks

10:15–11:05 | Panel 1: SMRs in Practice – Regulation, Certification & Deployment

Are SMRs moving from concept to reality, and what is required to make them deployable in Europe? This panel will combine technology developers, regulators, project developers, and financial advisors to provide a 360° view. 

Key topics:

• Status of SMR technology readiness and timelines
• Regulatory frameworks and licensing – how far Europe is from deployability
• Case study
• Certification and standardisation challenges across jurisdictions
• Bankability and financing structures – what investors need
• Lessons from the UK: how to accelerate deployment while maintaining safety 

11:05–11:55 | Panel 2: Slovenia’s Energy Reality – Demand, Security & System Readiness 

What lies ahead for energy demand and system requirements in Slovenia? The panel will place SMRs in the context of the country’s actual economic and infrastructure requirements.

Key topics:

• Rising electricity demand from industry
• Energy intensity vs competitiveness – what industry needs to stay in Slovenia
• Data centres & digital infrastructure as emerging energy drivers
• Role of the transmission system in integrating new baseload and renewables
• System stability vs intermittency – what energy mix is technically viable
• Government perspective: policy direction, timelines, and investment signals
• What kind of energy supply profile Slovenia actually needs (baseload vs flexible vs distributed) 

 11:55–12:00 | Closing Remarks