On Wednesday, 27 August 2025, the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Velenje, Peter Dermol, signed a contract for the co-financing of the first phase of the project to transform the district heating system in the Šaleška Valley, worth EUR 23.4 million. The project is defined in the Regional Plan for a Just Transition of the SAŠA Region as one of the key projects for the region’s transition to a carbon-neutral society.
SAŠA Regional plan for a just transition
The SAŠA Regional Plan for a Just Transition (ONPP SAŠA) defines the process of restructuring the coal region and presents an assessment of the economic, social, and other effects of the transition. It is based on the National Strategy for Coal Phase-out and Restructuring of Coal Regions, in line with the principles of a just transition.
The plan sets out four strategic objectives:
A just energy transition for the SAŠA region;
Jobs and skills for all;
Sustainable, flexible, and diverse economic development;
Gradual rehabilitation and revitalisation of spatially and environmentally degraded areas.
For the implementation of projects in the 2021-2027 period, the region will receive EUR 174 million from the Just Transition Fund, with an additional national contribution of approximately EUR 13 million.
To date, applicants from the SAŠA region have obtained funding for six projects with a total value of EUR 89.4 million:
Transformation of the district heating system;
Centre of the Future;
Velenje Technology Park – Techhub;
Pesje Business Zone – East;
RE: SAŠA;
Biomass Biorefinery Laboratory.
Key projects
Transformation of the district heating system
The project is an important step towards decarbonising the region, as it enables the gradual phasing out of coal and the establishment of a modern, reliable and environmentally friendly heating system. The first phase will involve upgrading the distribution network and renovating the heating substations. To date, 246 metres of hot water pipes have been renovated, and in 2025 and 2026, 1,851 metres of the main network will be renovated and the heating stations will undergo technological upgrades. The project is worth EUR 24.8 million, of which EUR 23.4 million has been approved for co-financing. The beneficiaries of the funds are the Municipality of Velenje and the Municipality of Šoštanj.
More information: preobrazba.cpp-sasa.si
Centre of the Future and Technology Park – Techhub
The investments, worth a total of EUR 46.1 million, of which EUR 42.4 million is non-repayable, will create more than 140 new jobs by 2027, support 91 start-ups, and provide 15,000 m² of modern space for entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. The beneficiary of the funds is the Municipality of Velenje.
More information: velenje.si
Biomass Biorefinery Laboratory
The project of the Chemical Institute, worth EUR 15.3 million, includes the establishment of laboratory facilities within Techhub and the purchase of research equipment. The aim is to conduct research in the field of biomass and biomass-derived products and to employ at least ten experts.
Pesje Business Zone – East
A new business zone with six plots equipped with utilities will be developed on 1.8 hectares of degraded land. The zone will be intended for companies with innovative and sustainable solutions. The project is co-financed by the Just Transition Fund in the amount of EUR 2.1 million. The beneficiary of the funds is the Municipality of Velenje.
More information: velenje.si
RE: SAŠA – a new direction in education and training
A consortium of 23 educational institutions received EUR 6.2 million to develop teaching scenarios in the areas of circular economy, digital transformation, green and entrepreneurial competences.
Incentive for further projects
Upon signing the agreement, the minister and mayor emphasised the importance of continuing preparations and implementing projects in the region.
Additional information: Katarina Ostruh, +386 31 317 210, cpp@ra-sasa.si