1st stakeholder seminar of Slovenia

On June 27th, 2024, Environmental Research Institute from Slovenia carried out their 1st stakeholder seminar within the Repower Industries project, where key representatives of the industry and energy sector gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities for promoting energy independence and industrial energy security in the Municipality of Ormož.

The meeting was attended by the mayor of the Municipality of Ormož, M.Sc. Danijel Vrbnjak, director of the municipal administration, Milena Debeljak, energy consultant Ludvik Hriberšek as well as representatives of the industry and energy sector.

Mayor of Ormož Municipality, M.Sc. Danijel Vrbnjak, opened the meeting with an introductory speech in which he emphasized the role of the municipality in the construction of a new industrial zone. He particularly emphasized the importance of including requirements for sustainable energy in development plans, which will contribute to energy independence and sustainable development of the local community.

Energy consultant Ludvik Hriberšek presented the role of Ekosklad in supporting sustainable energy projects. He emphasized that Ekosklad provides financial incentives and professional support for projects that contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Marinka Vovk from ORZ presented the Repower Industries project in detail, highlighting the project's goals and activities and emphasizing the monitoring of the Municipality of Ormož as an example of a good practice in the field of reducing energy independence on fossil fuels.

Energy consultant Ludvik Hriberšek presented the current challenges in the field of energy independence and security in the municipality of Ormož. The participants discussed the current state and identified the key actions to achieve the project's goals. Among the more important measures, the following were highlighted:

• Increasing the use of renewable energy sources
• Improving the energy efficiency of industrial facilities
• Encouraging cooperation between different stakeholders for the development of sustainable energy solutions.

The 1st stakeholder seminar was successful in regards to informing stakeholders about the project and its goals, establishing contacts for further cooperation in project activities and opening a discussion on the issue of energy independence and security, which will be the basis for future activities and measures.