The inside of the new tech centre in Kisovec. Photo: Tine Eržen/STA
In what is a milestone for Slovenia's historic mining district of Zasavje, a €32 million centre dedicated to zero-carbon technologies has officially opened in the town of Kisovec, representing one of Slovenia's largest research and development investments in the green transition.
A part of the National Institute of Chemistry, the Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies aims to bridge the gap between science and industry by bringing together research organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.
A historic transformation
The establishment of the centre marks a turning point in the economic and environmental evolution of a region traditionally rooted in coal mining. Gregor Anderluh, Director of the National Institute of Chemistry, noted at the 12 June opening ceremony that the facility served as a prime example of successful regional transformation.
"Today it is becoming a space for the development of new materials, knowledge and technologies for a carbon-free society," he said.
The centre will build upon decades of existing Slovenian research in battery technologies, which is spearheaded by the National Institute of Chemistry, facilitating the development of new prototypes and pilot projects. It is also notable for being the first project in Slovenia to receive financial support from the EU's Just Transition Fund, which helps regions transition away from fossil fuels.
Cutting-edge facilities
The building covers more than 1,500 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure. Within this space, the centre features a specialized pilot assembly line for creating prototype battery cells, alongside advanced measurement and analytical equipment and dedicated capabilities for hydrogen technology research.
Previously, Slovenian companies looking for this level of research infrastructure had to seek assistance abroad. Robert Dominko, the head of the new centre, emphasised its broader geographic impact. "There is no comparable centre in a 500-kilometre radius, so I believe the centre will become an important development hub for Slovenia and the wider European region," he said.
A boon for Slovenia and Europe
The opening saw local and international officials praise the centre as instrumental to Slovenia's and Europe's climate ambitions.
Matjaž Švagan, the mayor of Zagorje ob Savi, described it as a developmental milestone for future generations, while National Council President Marko Lotrič highlighted that closer ties between science and business will allow for the faster commercialization of these new technologies.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, stated that the centre demonstrated how climate ambitions can be translated into concrete developmental opportunities for local industries and residents, adding that Slovenia is helping pave the way for green technologies across the EU.
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