The primary objective of the investment project and its partnership is to enhance the energy efficiency of public infrastructure, encompassing the energy rehabilitation of public buildings and public lighting. The initiative aims to achieve this goal within the specified timeframe and allocated financial resources. Additionally, the project seeks to elevate the proportion of energy derived from renewable sources by installing RES systems and promoting greater energy independence for the region or individual partners through the installation of solar power plants. The implementation of specific measures is expected to result in functional improvements and increased energy efficiency for public infrastructure. This includes a direct reduction in energy and maintenance costs, as well as a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and dust particles. The project also prioritizes the enhancement of working and living conditions for users of the infrastructure.
The long-term vision is to harness various sources of renewable energy, including solar energy, energy stored in Velenje lakes, energy from waste incineration or biomass gasification, and potentially geothermal energy. Currently, the district heating system in the Šaleška valley relies on coal in a combined process for electricity and heat production, categorized as 1st generation. This system operates with a supply temperature above 100°C. To ensure future sustainability, there is a need to transition to a 3rd generation district heating system. This transformation would involve integrating renewable energy sources (RES) and enabling energy storage capabilities. The planned incorporation of alternative energy sources aims to achieve more than 20% of heat production from RES annually. This shift would not only reduce CO2 emissions during construction but also eliminate them upon completion. Based on this vision, an optimal scenario and concept for the district heating system in the Šaleška valley have been developed, aligning with goals for green transformation, price sustainability, and affordability for end-users.