Matjaž Eberlinc, who has been working for HSE since 2011 and who is currently the chairman of the supervisory board of the Trbovlje Thermal Power Plant, was appointed his successor.

According to HSE, Dermol was sacked for gross violations of procurement policies. His contract will be terminated on grounds of incompetence. Rumours that the CEO would be replaced have been circulating for a while – mostly due to the projected losses in TEŠ6's first year of operation.

Presumably, there are other factors that might contribute to even greater losses: incorrect calculations to determine the heating value of the coal from the Velenje coal mine, and an application to modify the environmental permit, which would enable them to use coal from abroad. HSE Director General Blaž Košorok is also said to be disturbed by Dermol's involvement in the so-called Šaleška dolina lobby.

And who is Dermol's successor Matjaž Eberlinc? A mechanical engineer by profession, he has been working in HSE's R&D department as an assistant to the Managing Director. He has also been actively involved in the construction of TEŠ6, the 6th generator at the Šoštanj thermal power plant.

He is the son of Plinovodi boss Marjan Eberlinc. He will certainly have a full plate at TEŠ: he is expected to resolve the apparent irregularities, address the issue of rising expenses at TEŠ6, and negotiate a lower price for the coal from the Velenje coal mine.

G. C., translated by D. V.