Recently, the “Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies” in the Central Sava region, located in central Slovenia, was officially inaugurated. Jointly funded by the European Union and the Slovenian government, the center was built with an investment of €32 million. equipped with research, office, and training facilities, the center aims to serve as an innovation platform connecting research institutions and businesses, accelerating the industrialization of zero-carbon technologies. It is one of Slovenia’s key initiatives to support the green transition of its traditional coal mining regions.
Central Sava was once one of Slovenia’s most iconic coal-producing areas, with coal mining and coal-fired power plants defining its industrial makeup. However, with the progression of the green and low-carbon transition, the local coal-fired power plant and mines were shut down in 2014 and 2015, respectively. According to an OECD report, in 2023, Central Sava had the lowest GDP per capita in Slovenia and one of the highest unemployment rates. Between 2014 and 2024, the working-age population share in the region decreased by 5.9%, exacerbating challenges such as population aging and youth outmigration.
In recent years, the EU has emphasized achieving carbon reduction targets while balancing economic development and social equity in the affected regions. In 2022,the EU approved over €258 million in transition funds for Slovenia, aimed at supporting new industries and job creation in former coal mining areas, with Central Sava designated as a priority support region.
Under the plan, the newly inaugurated “Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies” will not only carry out research tasks but also offer businesses services such as R&D validation, technology transfer, and professional training.. These efforts aim to promote the development of industries such as battery technology and hydrogen energy. According to the project developer, about half of the center’s staff are from Central Sava, and there are plans to attract more young talent and innovative companies to settle in the region in the coming years.
Looking forward, Central Sava plans to promote economic diversification, technological innovation, talent cultivation, and industrial upgrading to sustain progress. The region intends to support innovation within small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen its research capacity, and enhance vocational training to gradually establish a robust low-carbon industrial ecosystem. Additionally, the region aims to foster cross-sectoral collaboration to create a “small-scale Hydrogen Valley,” optimize its energy mix, and improve energy self-sufficiency. According to Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, “the ‘Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies’ represents a tangible example of how Europe is turning decarbonization goals into opportunities for regional development, industrial growth, and local residents..”
However, the transition process is far from straightforward. For Central Sava, high-tech industries demand advanced skills, necessitating sustained training programs and talent development efforts over the long term. Key challenges remain, such as how to consistently attract corporate investment, improve industrial chain integration, and ensure that more local residents genuinely benefit from green development. Uroš Vajgl, State Secretary of Slovenia’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy, pointed out that Central Sava’s approach, which balances environmental protection with social development, illustrates that many regions can create new jobs, foster new drivers of economic growth, and unlock new development opportunities while pursuing their green transition.