Slovenia Approves Solar Project On Former Landfill Site In Maribor

A new solar energy project is set to move forward in Slovenia after the signing of a co-financing agreement for a solar power plant that will be built on a former landfill site in the city of Maribor. The agreement was signed by Bojan Kumer and Andrej Tumpej, officially marking the beginning of the implementation phase of the project.

The solar facility, known as the SE ZOOP project, will be developed on a closed landfill located in Maribor. The project is being carried out by Dravske elektrarne Maribor, which operates as part of the Holding Slovenske Elektrarne. By installing renewable energy infrastructure on the previously unused landfill site, the initiative aims to transform a degraded area into a productive and sustainable energy location.

Once completed, the solar power plant is expected to have a nominal capacity of up to 10 megawatts. The facility will generate approximately 12 gigawatt-hours of electricity every year, which will be fed directly into the national electricity grid. This additional generation will help increase the share of electricity produced from renewable sources, particularly within urban areas where space for new energy projects is often limited.

The total cost of the investment is estimated at about 9.6 million euros based on the project’s investment plan. Funding for the project will come from two main sources. Nearly 4 million euros will be provided through the Modernisation Fund of the Republic of Slovenia, while the remaining amount will be financed by Dravske elektrarne Maribor.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Bojan Kumer highlighted the importance of the project for Slovenia’s renewable energy development. He noted that the solar power plant at the Pobrežje landfill is the first project in the country to take advantage of legislation that allows renewable energy installations to be built on closed landfill sites.

According to the minister, this approach allows unused or environmentally degraded land to be repurposed for productive development while increasing the country’s domestic production of clean electricity. Kumer also pointed out that Slovenia currently has 63 closed landfill sites. Because of this, the Pobrežje project could serve as a model for similar solar installations across the country. Repurposing these areas for renewable energy could create new opportunities for sustainable development while contributing to national energy and climate targets.

Andrej Tumpej, the head of Dravske elektrarne Maribor, explained that the SE ZOOP project holds significant strategic value for the company. He said the development aligns with several key priorities of the organisation, including expanding renewable energy generation, making efficient use of available land, and maintaining responsible environmental practices.

The project also supports the company’s broader strategy of diversifying its electricity production portfolio and planning for long-term energy development. Tumpej also acknowledged the efforts of the engineers and specialists who worked on preparing the project. Their technical expertise, coordination, and planning were essential in designing solutions that will allow the solar facility to be built safely and effectively on the former landfill site.

During the event, Tomaž Štokelj also spoke about the broader role of renewable energy in Slovenia’s transition toward a greener energy system. He described the HSE Group as one of the main drivers of the country’s green transformation and emphasized that solar power plants are becoming increasingly important in that process. Štokelj explained that the new solar facility planned for the Pobrežje location is one of several projects being developed by the group on previously degraded land.

Similar investments have already been made in locations such as Prapretno, where a solar installation has been built and is currently being expanded. Additional projects are also being planned in areas such as Dekani and Zagorje ob Savi. These initiatives demonstrate how land that was previously unsuitable for development can be transformed into valuable energy infrastructure.

The SE ZOOP project is currently in the contractor selection stage. The selection process is being conducted in accordance with Slovenia’s public procurement regulations to ensure transparency and compliance with national laws. With the co-financing agreement now signed, preparations for construction can move forward. Implementation of the project is expected to begin in the first half of this year.

Construction and installation work will then continue over the next few years, with the solar plant scheduled to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2027. This investment reflects the ongoing commitment of Dravske elektrarne Maribor, the HSE Group, and the Slovenian government to expand renewable energy production. By turning a closed landfill into a solar power facility, the project highlights how innovative planning can support environmental restoration, strengthen energy resilience, and contribute to the country’s long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality.