Three Slovenian cities to beat air pollution with renewables, sustainable urban mobility

The Government of Slovenia has adopted plans to reduce air pollution in Maribor, Celje and Murska Sobota, based on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable urban mobility. It granted EUR 63 million for the investment.

Slovenia implements air quality plans in areas with excessive concentrations of the PM10 particulate matter category. The purpose is to help comply with the allowed values ​​as soon as possible in parallel with country-wide measures, according to the government’s website.

Slovenia implements air quality plans in areas where concentrations of PM10 are exceeded

Air pollution is one of the major environmental issues in Southeastern Europe.

The plans envisage expansion of the district heating and natural gas supply network

The funds for three Slovenian cities will be spent on measures in the heating and transport sector. They include energy rehabilitation of buildings and expansion of district heating and natural gas supply network, installation of new micro biomass district heating systems. The money will also be invested in the expansion and upgrades of urban transport and overhauling vehicles of urban transport companies and local municipalities.

Many measures require a minimal amount of investment but have a major impact on air quality

According to the government, many measures envisaged by the plans require a minimal amount of investment but have a major impact on air quality. They include raising awareness, education and communication.

Here is how the EUR 63 million is allocated:

• Maribor – EUR 28.5 million (heating EUR 18 million, transport EUR 10.5 million)
• Celje – EUR 24.7 million (heating EUR 5.5 million, transport EUR 19.2 million)
• ​Murska Sobota – EUR 9.4 million (heating 3.7 million, transport EUR 5.7 million).

The funds are mainly secured by municipalities, and the government (EU Cohesion Fund).

Air quality plans have been prepared in cooperation with the local community, the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) and the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning.