Krško Nuclear Power Plant maintains efficiency during extreme summer heat

The Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) maintained high operational efficiency despite extreme summer weather conditions, including prolonged heat waves and historic hydrological droughts. The plant provides 20 percent of Slovenia’s electricity consumption and 16 percent of Croatia’s.

During periods of extreme heat, river temperatures reached up to 30 °C, the highest recorded since 1950. To comply with environmental regulations, the plant operated at 80 percent capacity from August 6 to 14, and at 90 percent capacity from August 14 to 18. Through the use of cooling towers and other available systems, the plant was able to maintain full power for most of the summer.

As a stable energy source with large rotating masses, NEK serves as a buffer for the regional power grid, helping to maintain stable voltage and frequency during sudden changes and record loads caused by increased electricity demand during heat waves.