Slovakia

In Slovakia there are three instruments supporting the RES technology supporting: feed-in tariff, subsidy and tax regulation mechanisms. [54]

Feed-in tariff is the first and major mean of support in Slovakia and is available for all wind, biomass and biogas power plants. The PV systems are eligible only if the capacity does not exceed 100kW (that regulation have entered in to force 1st April 2011). Almost all of the hydro power plants are eligible (except pumped-storage systems). Moreover all technologies have to met additional requirements. Total capacity can not exceed 125 MW. For additional payment are eligible only power plants which capacity does not exceed 10 MW (in case wind parks 15 MW is the limit). Systems with higher capacity are eligible to pay of the proportion 10/15 MW to the total installed capacity. Tariffs amount is determinate by the regulatory authority URSO. The RES are supported for 15 years however system operators which units capacity is lower than 1 MW are obligated to cover the grid losses. During first 3 years tariffs can not be decreased under 90% of reference tariff. If government introduced special grants for the system, the tariff is decreased. Degression equals 4% for grant of 30% of the purchase costs, 8% for grant of 40%, 12% for grant of 50% and 16% for grant of more than 50%. [54]

The first subsidy system calls Operational Programme Competitiveness and Economic Growth and the support is awarded in two systems: de-minis and scheme and the state aid scheme. All solar technologies are eligible for support without additional restriction. Hydro projects are supported if capacity does not exceed 10 MW. Biomass power plants capacity have to be between 50 to 10 000 kW. Biogas power plants are eligible for the de-minis scheme if capacity is up to 2 MW and for the state aid scheme if capacity is between 50 and 30 000 kW. The amount of the de-minis scheme is from 20 000 to 200 000 € paid during 24 months. The amount of the state aid scheme is from 60 000 to 6 000 000 €. That subsidy is eligible for 36 months. However in eastern and central Slovakia the subsidy amount can not exceed 50% of investment costs and 40% in western Slovakia. [54]

The second subsidy systems calls Operational Programme Bratislava Region and the support is awarded in the same two systems like first subsidy. Wind technologies are eligible only for subsidy from the state aid scheme. Solar systems are supported only by the de-minis scheme. Hydro and bio power plants are supported by the de-minis scheme is capacity is below 5 MW and by the state aid scheme for capacity between 5 and 10 MW. The maximal amount of subsidy in the de-minis system equals 20 000 € and in the state aid scheme 660 000 € (moreover it can not exceed 45% of eligible costs). [54]

In addition all of the RES technologies are supported by the tax regulation mechanisms (exemption from consumption tax). The tax reduction depends from the energy production (in kWh). [54]

In Slovakia grid connection system is favourable for the RES power plants which have priority for connection however do not have priority in case of grid expansion. [54]

Regulation requirements in Slovakia are Act No. 309/2009 Coll., Act No. 609/2007 Coll., Implementation Document for the OPBK, Implementation Document for the OP KaHR, Scheme DM – 7/2008, Scheme DM – 13/2008, Scheme No. XR 63/2008, Scheme ŠP – 01/2009, Decree No. 02/2010, Energy Act No. 656/2004 Coll. and Government Decree No. 317/2007 Coll. [54]

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