PROJECTS

An important part of Slovenia’s green gateway

The planned floating solar power plant on Družmir Lake in the municipality of Šoštanj is designed to cover up to 50% of the lake’s available surface area. The estimated capacity of the plant, which will generate electricity in an environmentally friendly way, will be up to 140 megawatts, with an annual production of up to 140 GWh of electricity. It could therefore supply around 35,000 households a year.

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Slovenia is following the EU’s commitment to the Green Transition, which is the gradual decarbonisation of society, its infrastructure and economy.

One of the projects that will significantly accelerate this transition is a floating solar power plant (PSE) on the surface of Lake Druzmir. PSE Družmirje is a part of the National Strategy for Coal Phase-out and the Restructuring of Coal Regions in accordance with the Just Transition Principles. It is an efficient and environmentally acceptable way of using a renewable energy source, which is already well established in European countries and elsewhere in the world, and ensures a rational and multifunctional use of space.

A functioning PSE Družmirje will contribute significantly to the achievement of the NEPN’s objectives, which are:

• ensuring a 25% share of renewable sources of energy in final energy consumption and a 43% share of electric energy by 2030,
• contributing to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at EU level by 2050 by phasing out coal and switching to renewables,
• achieving 75% of electricity supply from sources within Slovenia,
• ensuring a competitive, reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

We preserve the quality of life of the local community …

PSE Družmirje will not have adverse consequences for the quality of life of the local community and will not restrict public access to the lake. The municipality will be able to plan the development of Lake Družmir in compliance with the development strategies already set out. Throughout the construction of PSE Družmirje and beyond, we will strive for a regular, open and constructive dialogue with the local community.

… and the energy tradition of the valley

The construction of the Družmirje PSE, while enabling a transition to ecologically acceptable and sustainable electricity generation from a green source, preserves the energy tradition of the valley and the region and, in harmony with other projects, provides thermal energy for the inhabitants of Šoštanj and Velenje. Compliant with the gradual phasing out of coal, the floating solar power plant is also one of the important solutions for ensuring an affordable price for thermal energy in the Šalek Valley.

No impact on aquatic and riparian fauna

PSE Družmirje follows good practices from abroad and will not cause negative environmental impacts. The ecological and chemical status of the water will remain unchanged after the construction of the PSE, and all the conditions for maintaining a favourable status of aquatic and riparian flora and fauna will be ensured.

A PSE with a rated capacity of more than 10 MW is one of the spatial planning installations of national importance, the siting of which is a matter for the State. The placement process is being carried out in accordance with planning legislation. The project is currently in the initial placement phase. The publicly launched initiative invites spatial planners to provide guidance in the field of environment and spatial planning, and the local community and the interested public to make constructive suggestions and comments. All of the above will form the basis for further planning phases and the design of lasting solutions.