Slovenia launches online platform for preparation of coal phaseout strategy

The Ministry of Infrastructure has set up an online platform as the main communication channel for the activities related to the preparation of the national strategy for phasing out coal and the restructuring of coal regions.

In accordance with the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), Slovenia must prepare a long-term national strategy for the restructuring and transition of coal regions, which will deliver a timetable for a just plan for the early closure of coal mine Premogovnik Velenje and phasing out coal in thermal power plant Termoelektrarna Šoštanj (TEŠ).

The strategy will define a plan for the closure of coal mine in Velenje and phasing out coal in Termoelektrarna Šoštanj (TEŠ).

The list of documents under preparation includes a national strategy for phasing out coal and the restructuring of coal regions in line with the principles of a just transition, as well as regional plans for the Savinjska-Šaleška and Zasavje regions, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Slovenia will also prepare just transition plans for coal regions Savinjska-Šaleška, and Zasavje

The online platform follows the good practice of the NECP online platform. It will be intended for comprehensive and up-to-date information of local authorities, civil society organizations, business communities and all other stakeholders.

According to the report published by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, Slovenia is among seven member states that plan to burn coal beyond 2030.

In June the European Commission launched the Just Transition Platform to help member states draw up their territorial just transition plans and access funding from the Just Transition Mechanism.

Two weeks ago the EU gave the green light for EUR 10 billion for the Just Transition Fund from the COVID-19 recovery plan which means member states will have EUR 17.5 billion for their coal phaseout.