2nd Local Stakeholder Seminar of ORZ
The second stakeholder meeting of the Environmental Research Institute took place on October 8, 2024, and was coordinated by Dr. Marinka Vovk. During the meeting, participants shared examples of innovative practices in energy and waste management. Key topics discussed included industrial energy efficiency, where an example was presented on using waste heat from production processes to heat commercial buildings and local communities. The meeting also covered renewable energy sources in the circular economy, specifically utilizing biomass from agricultural waste to produce green energy. Digital solutions for energy management were highlighted through a system that optimizes energy consumption using smart grids and artificial intelligence. Another important topic was the reuse of industrial waste, with a project focused on converting industrial ash into building materials used for insulating energy facilities.
Based on these discussions, participants outlined several proposals for the further development of the Repower Industries project. These included promoting circular energy use through a platform that enables the exchange of surplus energy between companies in industrial zones and introducing mutual support schemes for renewable energy sources. Efforts to improve energy stability were also emphasized, with proposals for researching new energy storage methods, such as secondary battery systems, and developing micro-energy networks at the local level.
In addition, the group called for innovations in industrial processes, particularly in utilizing waste energy sources such as heat, steam, or emission gases, and fostering collaborations between research institutions and industry to accelerate the implementation of these innovations. The meeting also underscored the importance of education and awareness, proposing workshops for industry professionals on transitioning to sustainable energy solutions and encouraging young researchers to develop circular economy projects.
The meeting concluded with a reflection on the challenges posed by current energy resource instability. Participants agreed on the necessity for strong collaboration between industry, researchers, and decision-makers to create sustainable solutions. It was decided that Repower Industries would focus on strengthening efforts to develop circular energy systems and support innovative projects with long-term impacts on industrial sustainability.