Kolektor Idrija & Avče pumped storage hydroelectric power plant
On Monday, 19 May 2025, the Student Energy Club (ŠEK), in collaboration with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, successfully organised a technical excursion for students interested in contemporary energy systems and industrial technologies.
The morning part of the excursion was dedicated to a visit to Kolektor, a leading Slovenian company in the fields of automotive components, electronics, and energy solutions. Students toured several production facilities and gained valuable insights into industrial processes, advanced technologies, and approaches to digitalising production. Company representatives highlighted the importance of innovation and cooperation with research institutions—an especially relevant message for future engineers.
In the afternoon, the group continued their journey towards the Soča Valley to visit the Avče Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant, the only facility of its kind in Slovenia. Located along the Soča River, the site visit included a detailed presentation of the plant’s operational principles, which involve storing electricity by transferring water between two reservoirs at different altitudes. Particularly engaging was the discussion on how the plant’s operation and strategic role have evolved in recent years—largely due to the rapid expansion of solar power and fluctuations in electricity market prices.
The excursion provided students with a hands-on learning experience and a clearer understanding of current energy sector challenges, as well as the role of systemic solutions in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future.
This article is also available in Slovenian at https://www.s3k.si/novice/sek-ove-strokovne-ekskurzije-primorska/
