Slovenia’s DEM finishes digital upgrade across three hydropower plants, targeting 20 more years of efficient operation

Slovenia’s Dravske Elektrarne Maribor (DEM) has wrapped up a major modernization effort across three hydropower plants, a move aimed at improving operational efficiency while extending the long-term reliability of the assets. For investors and operators alike, the key takeaway is that DEM is not only replacing equipment but also upgrading how the plants are monitored, maintained and controlled—changes that can materially affect performance over time.

Modernization scope across three plants

The upgrade covers the hydropower plants in Dravograd, Vuzenica and Mariborski otok. DEM said key secondary systems were fully modernized over a three-year implementation period, supported by advanced process equipment and digital technologies intended to keep the plants operating efficiently for at least another 20 years.

Digital monitoring, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity

A central element of the project was the integration of modern data management systems. DEM expects these systems to enable real-time operational monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. Alongside the data upgrades, improvements were made in cybersecurity, reflecting an effort to strengthen resilience as plant operations become more digitally connected.

New in-house digital turbine control system

DEM also highlighted the deployment of a newly developed digital turbine control system designed in-house by its engineering team. The company described this as an important step toward greater technological independence and improved optimization of hydropower plant performance.

Extending equipment life into later stages

Beyond new components and software, DEM said the modernization effectively extends the lifespan of primary equipment into later stages of its operational cycle. Overall, the project represents a milestone in DEM’s digital transformation of its hydropower fleet, reinforcing both operational resilience and long-term system sustainability.