Slovakia will end renewable energy subsidies by 2026

Slovakia plans to end subsidies for renewable energy by 2026. The head of the country's energy regulator believes this is a return to "common sense." This decision will impact around 600 renewable energy producers. This year, 89 of them will be affected. The regulator, Holjenčík, has often criticized the chaotic growth of renewable energy, saying it makes it hard for wider adoption. He argues that solar and wind energy are unreliable. Holjenčík believes that the energy mix in the EU should include nuclear power instead. He supports individual investments in solar panels or heat pumps but insists that subsidies should not harm Slovak and EU citizens or benefit speculators. Slovakia's Regulatory Office mentioned that while access to the energy grid will still be available, feed-in tariff subsidies will no longer be prioritized. These subsidies are funded through electricity bills. Analyst Ján Pišta warns that without support, many renewable operators might reconsider their projects if they have to sell energy at market prices. Pišta also mentioned that a decline in renewable energy in Slovakia could make it harder for the country to meet EU climate goals. The EU is pushing for a renewable energy target of 42.5%, while Slovakia has set a lower target of 23% by 2030. Ján Karaba from the Slovak Association for Sustainable Energy criticized the regulator's anti-renewable stance. He highlighted the falling costs and growing efficiency of wind and solar energy, which are important globally. Karaba noted that many countries, including those that relied on fossil fuels and nuclear power, are increasing their wind energy capacity.