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Slovenia expects EUR 1 billion in investments in the sector of renewable energy sources by 2027, according to Bojan Kumer, a candidate for the Minister of Environment, Climate and Energy.
Bojan Kumer, currently the infrastructure minister, announced the investment projection during a presentation of his agenda before the parliamentary committee on infrastructure, environment and space. The energy sector is currently in the remit of the Ministry of Infrastructure, but in June 2022, when the cabinet was appointed, it was announced that the ministry would be split into two and that Kumer would be in charge of energy.
The new minister sees three main challenges
As reported by the local media, Kumer stressed the importance of the green transition and further decarbonization efforts. Three main goals, in his words, are investments in renewables, reliable and affordable energy supply, and a reduction of import dependence. The candidate for the energy minister also announced reforms for the transportation sector.
It will be necessary, in his words, to introduce new climate policies and strategies, by transposing EU directives, or updating already existing ones, the Zurnal24 portal reported.
New law on renewable energy sources
As one of his first moves, Kumer announced the adoption of a new law on renewable energy sources. The idea is to facilitate the installation of renewable energy power plants with new solutions, but without endangering the environment.
Solar power plants should be placed along roads, on lakes and on agricultural land, he announced.
Hydropower plants will not be built on the Mura river
By 2027, Kumer expects about EUR 1 billion to be invested in the promotion and use of renewable energy sources. The money should be provided from various European funds, as well as domestic sources.
Answering questions from MPs, Kumer said that hydroelectric power plants will not be built on the Mura river, but that he will do everything to complete the hydropower plants on the Sava river, Svet24 reported.
New urban mobility policy
One of the key challenges for him is the transformation of energy use in transportation, in order to abandon fossil fuels as soon as possible. According to Kumer, the measures will also include incentives for upgrading the citizens’ vehicle fleet, and the expansion of the network of public charging stations for electric vehicles and a new urban mobility policy.
The government will draw up a bill to speed up the introduction of EVs in public administration
The incoming minister sees public transportation as the backbone of the decarbonization of passenger transportation. The government has already established a company to manage public transit, and a bill is being prepared for a faster introduction of EVs in the public administration.
Kumer also announced that changes to the law on climate and the law on efficient use of energy will be finished this year. A new national energy and climate plan should be adopted in the spring, he added.
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