renewable sources in Slovenia, which operates as part of the HSE Group, has obtained the final key permits for implementing sustainable practices in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. By obtaining an environmental approval and environmental permit, Dravske Elektrarne Maribor has received the green light to process driftwood into a valuable raw material.
Most of the driftwood that floats on the Drava River stops in front of the Zlatoličje Hydro Power Plant, where it is removed (extracted from the body of water). The quantity of driftwood is particularly large during periods of high waters or after severe weather events. The obtained environmental approval, which demonstrates the suitability of the location, and the environmental permit, which demonstrates the suitability of the processing technology, will enable us to process the driftwood removed at the Zlatoličje Hydro Power Plant into biomass suitable for use in medium-sized and large boilers. In practice, this means that the driftwood will be processed into woodchips, which will be used in the boiler of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ), for which the company has obtained an environmental permit for the use of a combination of two fuels; coal and biomass. This is our contribution to the reduction of the carbon footprint and the promotion and implementation of sustainable energy practices.
For the relevant procedure, Dravske Elektrarne Maribor obtained the international SURE certificate, which confirms compliance with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (Renewable Energy Directive II). The obtained certificate is a key step in ensuring compliance with the emission standards for biofuels prescribed by the regulatory authorities, especially for operators of plants that generate electricity and heat from biomass or biogas with a capacity of more than 20 MW.
Mag. Damjan Seme, the Director General of Dravske Elektrarne Maribor noted on the occasion: “By obtaining the permits and the certificate, our company once again proved its commitment to sustainable development and responsible and efficient management of resources. With these steps, we are further consolidating our leading role in the power industry, while making a significant contribution to global efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and facilitate the green transition.”
Mag. Branko Debeljak, the Director General of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, added: “At the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, a small proportion of biomass is already being added to the lignite from the Velenje Coal Mine. The used wood biomass does not require the purchase of emission coupons, so it is an important source of energy both from the environmental aspect and from the aspect of alternative opportunities in the gradual green transition. I believe that wood biomass is a great opportunity for Slovenia and that it has an untapped potential.”