The introduction of the gas pipeline network in Slovenia began in the early 1970s. Following newly discovered natural gas wells in the Soviet Union and Algeria and the growing need for energy following the economic expansion of Europe, natural gas manifested itself as an economic and practical energy source. Newly constructed pipelines in Austria and Italy have made possible the supply of natural gas to Slovenia, since Slovenia has no own gas reserves.
The company Petrol Zemeljski plin was established n 1974, with the intention of implementation of the »programme of introduction of natural gas in Slovenia«. Following 3 years of intensive preparations, the construction of the backbone of the trunk gas pipeline network began, which was divided in 3 phases:
- Ceršak–Rogatec–Vodice–Ljubljana,
- Vodice–Jesenice,
- Ljubljana–Nova Gorica–Anhovo
In 1978, transport of Russian natural gas began through the newly constructed gas pipeline towards Croatia; the first cubic metres of gas were used in Slovenia by Tovarna lesovine in lepenke Ceršak and Sladkogorska from Sladki vrh.
Up until the year 1980, 630 km of mostly trunk gas pipelines were constructed; a dispatch centre in Ljubljana was set up as also maintenance centres both in Ljubljana and Maribor.
The gas network was later extended, by the end of 1980s the trunk gas pipeline was laid to Novo mesto and a regional line to Radeče. Today, the total length of the gas pipeline network in Slovenia, which is continually growing, is more than 1000 km.
The construction of the gas pipeline network took into account all environmental requirements of minimal interventions and environmental impact from the start. The initial state of the land is reinstated along entire route of the construction following completed construction works, so that the characteristic post signs and measurement-regulation stations are the only evidence that beneath the untouched surface lie kilometres of gas pipes.
In 1992, natural gas began flowing from another source – from Algeria, which considerably increased the reliability of supply, at the same time the expansion of the use of natural gas for general consumption was enabled. From 2001, natural gas is received also from a third source, from Austria.
Social, political and economic changes in the past have influenced a number of status reformations of the company. From 1995, the company operated under the name Geoplin d.o.o. Ljubljana.
In accordance with the provisions of the Energy Act, Geoplin d.o.o. Ljubljana established a subsidiary company Geoplin plinovodi d.o.o. in 2004 and transferred into its ownership the entire energy infrastructure. The company Geoplin plinovodi d.o.o. began with activities of a System Operator of the gas pipeline transmission network on 1.1.2005.
On 1. 11. 2011, the company name has been changed to Plinovodi d.o.o, in order to comply with European Directive and to prepare for the certification process for an independent transmission operator.
On 11.7.2012 the national regulatory authority issued the decision on the certification that Plinovodi d.o.o. as a transmission system operator complies with the requirements for the independent system operator.
On 25.10.2012 the Government of Republic of Slovenia designated the company Plinovodi d.o.o. as a transmission system operator.