Enery wins local support for solar power project between roads in Slovenia

The Municipality of Divača in Slovenia agreed to back a solar power project in exchange for the right to purchase part of its output at lower prices. Austria-based Enery wants to install a 7.5 MW facility within the local multilevel intersection and the locals are promoting the endeavor as an alternative to a government-backed plan for a wind farm.

The Municipality of Divača in Slovenia’s southwest has until the end of the year to negotiate a preferential price for electricity from a photovoltaic plant due to be built in its territory. The local authority is leaning on the proposed law on siting renewable energy facilities, currently in parliamentary procedure, which would enable a share in output of at least 10%.

Austria-based Enery is planning to use an empty lot within the Gabrk highway junction to install a 7.5 MW facility. The municipal council approved its inclusion in the local detailed spatial plan. It should be prepared by the end of the year, when there will be another vote in Divača.

Grid saturation cuts planned capacity

According to news reports, the power plant could come online within two years. Initially, 9.9 MW was planned, but there is no capacity in the high-voltage grid to integrate it, so the size was cut to fit the medium-voltage network.

Nevertheless, the photovoltaic unit at the highway exit would currently be the largest in the country, though there are projects underway that are bigger. Enery is also negotiating with the owners of the land about a long-term lease.

Municipality can save up to EUR 100,000 thanks to upcoming law

The authorities in Divača said they would have the right to buy 10% to 15% of the plant’s production. Deputy head of the municipality Mario Benkoč told the media that it could save EUR 80,000 to EUR 100,000 per year. A solar power plant could also be set up at the location of the Laže quarry and other places.

The municipality is promoting the Gabrk endeavor as an alternative to the Dolenja Vas wind farm project, backed by the Government of Slovenia, as the locals are strongly opposing it.