On 12 February, Velenje hosted the final event of the European project 3DIVERSE. Within the LIFE programme, the project ran from October 2022 to March 2026 and focuses on transforming the energy systems of the Savinja–Šalek region, particularly district heating, while gradually phasing out coal.
The project, valued at €1,450,513.40, is funded by the European Commission through the EU LIFE – CET programme and brings together municipalities, research institutions, industry, and Komunalno podjetje Velenje to develop modern solutions for smart, digitalised, and low-carbon energy.
The central part of the event was a round-table discussion featuring Klemen Kosovinc (Kolektor Setup), Dr Andrej Kitanovski (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana), Uršula Menih Dokl (Šalek Eco Movement), Gregor Rome (Care4Climate and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy), Boštjan Krajnc (KSSENA), and Ana Šuperger (Šalek Student Club). The discussion highlighted challenges related to the stability of heat prices, system digitalisation, diversification of energy sources, and the role of individuals and the local community in accepting change. A particularly lively debate addressed changes in users’ living habits, communication, and gaining local residents’ trust in the project.
The participants emphasised that the role of the individual is crucial, adopting new habits such as rational energy use, adapting to smart solutions, and taking part in building energy renovations. Communication was identified as a key element: transparent information-sharing, involving residents in decision-making, and open dialogue are essential for building trust among locals. Changes must be based on cooperation and on taking into account the concerns and wishes of the community and young people, only then can the transition to a new system become an opportunity rather than a threat.
Those presents were also welcomed with an introductory address by European Commission representative Marta Presmanes, who stressed that the project is an exemplary case of Europe’s ambition for the energy transition. The project promotes the shift from coal to sustainable, digitalised, and low-carbon district heating in the Šalek Valley, improves the efficiency of the existing system, reduces heat losses, and creates a convincing model for the region’s green transformation.
Within the 3Diverse project, coordinated by the KsSena Institute and involving Kolektor Setup, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana, and Komunalno podjetje Velenje, approximately 300 building energy analyses were carried out. The result is digital models that thoroughly analyse district-heating systems, helping to monitor decarbonisation, assess efficiency after renovation, and guide system management. These models help stakeholders compare district heating with alternatives such as heat pumps and thus make fair and effective decisions.
District heating covers around 12% of heating needs in Europe, and with appropriate investments this share could increase to 50% by 2050. The 3Diverse project brings residents and municipalities more stable heating costs, modern and reliable district heating, reduced CO₂ emissions, and new development opportunities.
