Slovenia has taken a decisive step in reshaping the Savinja–Saleska (SASA) coal region, securing €134 million from European and national sources to support its shift away from coal and heavy industry towards sustainable growth.

Source: GOV SI

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved two flagship projects under the EU’s Just Transition Fund. The Stara Elektrarna – Centre of the Future will receive €28.1 million, while the Velenje Technology Park – TecHub has been granted €14.1 million. Both initiatives are expected to play a central role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in a region historically dependent on coal mining.

Several complementary projects are already underway, including:

1. Pesje Vzhod business zone (€2.1 million)
2. Education programme to retrain workers (€6.2 million)
3. Modernisation of the Saleska dolina district heating system (€23.4 million)
4. New chemistry laboratory within the Tech Hub (€15.3 million)

In addition, €45 million in EU funding has been allocated to the construction of the 3rd development axis between Velenje and Slovenj Gradec, strengthening infrastructure links vital for regional competitiveness.

Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenje, welcomed the funding, emphasising both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The signing of these contracts means that the restructuring process has already begun, even though the Development Restructuring Act has not yet been adopted. The path to these projects was extremely demanding. The conditions were not easy, but we are grateful that the financier set a high bar for us. We are fully aware that we must deliver results within the stipulated deadlines.

^{Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenje}

The investments mark the beginning of a historic transition for the SASA region, which is moving from its legacy of coal and heavy industry towards a future centred on clean energy, research, and innovation.