Energy
transition

Energy transition is a transition from an energy system based primarily on fossil fuels to a system based on renewable energy sources (RES).

Replacing coal and oil with cleaner alternatives contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in economic sectors, closely linked in particular to electricity consumption. This substitution clearly contributes to the energy transition we are witnessing in Europe and elsewhere – it is a transition from an energy system based mainly on fossil fuels to a system based on renewable energy sources (RES). In other words: we are witnessing an energy transition to a low-carbon society.

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Driving the EU’s clean transition and competitivnes with EU ETS_julij2026

Commission with Electrification Action Plan and ETS review

The European Commission presented an Electrification Action Plan in July 2026 to make Europe the first electro-powered continent, and a stronger carbon market to support EU’s industry in the clean transition and electrification. To support this goal, the Commission will evaluate an indicative target of 46% electrification by 2040 under the post-2030 Energy Union package. Achieving this target could reduce EU fossil fuel import costs by €260 billion per year by 2040.

What are the key barriers? → Electricity often costs three times as much as gas. → Securing grid connections can take several years. → Too many innovative technologies never reach commercial scale. → Businesses lack sufficient incentives to switch from fossil fuels to electricity. → The Electrification Action Plan addresses all these barriers.

The plan thus focuses on narrowing the price gap between electricity and fossil fuel costs, as well as encouraging the deployment of cleaner electricity-based technologies, such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, and batteries, among others across Europe. The aim is to ensure a level playing field between electricity and gas. Their price difference often deters the transition to cleaner options, such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, and electrified industrial processes. Therefore, the proposal on future-proof electricity bills in the EU will enable Member States to reduce grid tariffs for certain consumer groups and taxes for energy-intensive companies.

On 17 July, the European Commission also published a review of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which began operating in 2005. It has generated over €270 billion in revenue, reinvested into innovation, industrial decarbonisation, and the modernisation of the European energy system. At the same time, it helps Europe reduce emissions in covered sectors by 50%. This market-based system ensures predictability across all EU countries, but geopolitical and economic circumstances have changed, and EU industry is under increasing pressure.

The review will provide relief to industry while preserving the essential role of the emissions trading system in the climate and energy transition, in line with EU climate rules. It updates the linear reduction factor to 3.7% for 2031–2035 and 1.7% for 2036–2040, making the trajectory more gradual and aligned with domestic climate ambitions. Up to 2% of high-quality international credits will allow funding for decarbonisation projects abroad and provide leeway during 2036–2040, when reducing emissions in Europe becomes more challenging.

Press release / FACTSHEET on EU Electrification Action Plan and Network charges / Q&A on EU Electrification Action Plan and Network charges /Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation – fostering electrification and digitalisation / FACTSHEET on EU ETS / Q&A on EU ETS / ETS Directive proposal

New State aid framework enables support for clean industry

The European Commission adopted in June 2025 a new State aid framework supporting the Clean Industrial Deal (CISAF), to enable Member States to push forward the development of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation and clean technology. The CISAF sets out the conditions under which Member States can grant support for certain investments and objectives in line with EU State aid rules. Under the Framework, the Commission will authorise aid schemes introduced by Member States to boost clean industry, enabling the swift roll-out of individual aid.

The CISAF will be in place until 31 December 2030.

Slovenia adopted a systemic measure to support Slovenian energy-intensive industry on 3 February 2026 (Act on the Promotion of Competitiveness and Decarbonization of Electro-Intensive Companies – ZSKREP).

Press release / Overview of Support Measures / Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) / Slovenian Act – ZSKREP

Key energy figures on Europe – 2024 edition

Did you know that the share of renewables in EU energy consumption rose from 16% in 2012 to 23% in 2022?

You can find this information and much more in the 2024 update of Key figures on Europe!

REPowerEU: Joint European action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy

The European Commission proposed on 8 March 2022 an outline of a plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030, starting with gas, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Energy prices: Commission presents a toolbox of measures to tackle exceptional situation and its impacts

The European Commission adopted on 13 October 2021 a Communication on Energy Prices, to tackle the exceptional rise in global energy prices.

European Commission unveils Fit for 55 legislative package

The European Commission unveiled on 14 July 2021 the ‘Fit for 55’ package of climate and energy laws. The Slovenian Presidency welcomed the unveiled project, which is also a priority of the Presidency in the field of the environment and climate change.

Slovenia adopted the Resolution on Long-Term Climate Strategy until 2050

The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted on 13 July 2021 the Resolution on Long-Term Climate Strategy until 2050. A clear goal of Slovenia’s climate strategy is to transition to net-zero emissions and become climate neutral by 2050.

European Green Deal: new EU energy policy contributions towards building a climate neutral Europe

The European Commission has on 14 October 2020 adopted a series of energy policy proposals and reports, which are fundamental to the implementation of the European Green Deal, and to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and the ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030. The Commision adopted a Communication on an EU Renovation Wave, aiming to double the renovation rate of buildings in Europe and make them fit for a climate neutral future. The College also adopted a Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions, which are the second biggest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. The Commission has also adopted and published the State of the Energy Union Report and accompanying documents including individual assessments of the 27 National Energy and Climate Plans. These detailed reports assess the Energy Union’s contribution to the European Green Deal, and the opportunities for the energy sector from the green transition.

KEY DOCUMENTS

National Strategy to Phase Out Coal and Restructure of two coal intensive regions – Zasavje and Savinjsko-šaleška region (December 2021): https://www.energetika-portal.si/fileadmin/dokumenti/publikacije/premog_izhod/strategija_prem_vlada_jan202.pdf

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Report on the situation in the energy sector in Slovenia in 2022 (October 2023)

The Slovenian Energy Agency has published a Report on the energy situation in Slovenia for 2022. The report presents in detail the situation and development of electricity and natural gas markets, achieving the goals of electricity production from RES and CHP, consumer protection, end-use energy savings and heat supply.

Energy transition

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Energy
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