30 April 2024 – The construction of one of the country’s largest solar power plants, boasting a total capacity of 3.3 MW, has been successfully finalised by the Port of Koper. This solar installation is situated atop the warehouses of the general cargo terminal, forming a key component of the SOPOREM project.
The ceremony, held at the Port of Koper, commenced with an opening speech delivered by Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper. Following this, Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, delivered a speech. Concluding the sequence, Her Excellency Trine Skymoen, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, presented her remarks.
Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, said that Slovenia has set itself the objective of doubling its solar energy capacity in the next few years. “This type of solar power plant makes an important contribution to achieving this objective, as it allows for a significant increase in cumulative power in the entire Coastal-Karst region. In addition to their positive impact on the global and European environmental targets for reducing climate change, solar power plants also ensure higher energy self-sufficiency and less dependence on fluctuations in electricity prices on the market,” she pointed out in her speech.
“The promotion of green energy remains a priority for both financial mechanism programmes, as it is a key element in the fight against climate change and in promoting sustainable development across Europe. Green alternative energy sources have the potential to not only be sustainable but also to increase energy security, create jobs and reduce CO2 emissions,” said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, H.E. Trine Skymoen.
Boštjan Pavlič, Head of Health Protection and Ecology at Port Koper, alongside dr. Boris Sučić from the Jožef Stefan Institute, outlined the energy and climate plan of the Port of Koper and explained its key strategic directions.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with the participation of Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper, Her Excellency Trina Skymoen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Janez Škrabec, CEO of Riko company. The new solar power plant, which covers approximately 15,000 square metres, was officially opened. The 3.3-megawatt solar power plant will contribute significantly to energy independence and a cleaner environment, and the energy produced will also reduce CO2 emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
The project promoter of the project SOPOREM is the Port of Koper, port and logistic system, Plc, and the project partners are the Municipality of Koper and Greenstat ASA from Norway.
SOURCE: Port of Koper