V novi epizodi GOVSI podkasta je minister za infrastrukturo in energetiko Jernej Vrtovec spregovoril o cenah energentov pred začetkom kurilne sezone, prihodnosti jedrske energetike, ključnih infrastrukturnih projektih in posodobitvi prometnih povezav. Poudaril je pomen zanesljive oskrbe z energijo, hitrejšega izvajanja investicij in učinkovitejšega umeščanja projektov v prostor. Minister je zagotovil, da ima Slovenija pred prihajajočo zimo zakupljene zadostne količine zemeljskega plina, zato večjih cenovnih pritiskov ne pričakuje. Pri naftnih derivatih je izpostavil že sprejete ukrepe za blažitev cen in prizadevanja za dodatno znižanje trošarin. Spregovoril je tudi o možnostih pomoči gospodinjstvom, ki se ogrevajo s kurilnim oljem. Pomemben del pogovora je bil namenjen projektu drugega bloka Jedrske elektrarne Krško (JEK2). Minister je poudaril, da bo zaradi vse večje elektrifikacije potrebna dodatna stabilna proizvodnja električne energije. Po njegovih besedah bi se lahko umeščanje JEK2 v prostor zaključilo leta 2028, pri financiranju pa vidi možnosti tudi za vključitev tujih vlagateljev in slovenskega gospodarstva. Na področju prometne infrastrukture je izpostavil drugi tir Divača–Koper, katerega odprtje je predvideno v prvi polovici prihodnjega leta, nadaljevanje gradnje tretje razvojne osi ter dodatne avtocestne pasove na najbolj obremenjenih odsekih. Napovedal je zakonodajne spremembe za pospešitev postopkov umeščanja strateških projektov v prostor in pridobivanja dovoljenj. V zaključnem delu pogovora je minister spregovoril še o uvajanju novih tehnologij, samovozečih vozilih in uporabi dronov ter o nujnosti javnega potniškega prometa. Pogovoru prisluhnite na vladnem YouTubovem kanalu in večjih podkastnih platformah. [ENGLISH VERSION] Less Congestion, More Energy: Minister Vrtovec on Key Development Projects In the latest episode of the GOVSI Podcast, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Jernej Vrtovec discussed energy prices ahead of the heating season, the future of nuclear energy, major infrastructure projects and the modernisation of transport connections. He emphasised the importance of reliable energy supplies, faster investment implementation and more efficient spatial planning procedures. The Minister confirmed that Slovenia has secured sufficient natural gas supplies for the upcoming winter and does not expect significant price pressures. Regarding petroleum products, he highlighted measures already introduced to mitigate prices and efforts to secure further reductions in excise duties. He also discussed possible support for households using heating oil. A significant part of the discussion focused on the second unit at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (JEK2). The Minister stressed that increasing electrification would require additional reliable electricity generation. According to his estimates, spatial planning procedures for JEK2 could be completed in 2028. He also highlighted opportunities to involve foreign investors and Slovenian businesses in financing the project. Regarding transport infrastructure, the Minister discussed the second railway track between Divača and Koper, expected to open in the first half of next year, the continued construction of the Third Development Axis and additional motorway lanes on the busiest sections. He announced legislative changes aimed at accelerating spatial planning and permitting procedures for strategic projects. The final part of the discussion addressed emerging technologies, autonomous vehicles, drone deliveries and the future of public passenger transport. The Minister particularly emphasised the need to modernise Slovenia's railway network and develop faster connections, including the Ljubljana–Celje–Maribor route. The full interview is available in the latest episode of the GOVSI Podcast on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
