January 30, 2025

€16M Boost: Slovenia Fuels Solar Communities for a Greener Future

Slovenia has launched a €16 million programme to support solar communities by funding photovoltaic projects that enhance renewable energy generation. Running until 2027, the initiative will provide non-refundable grants to local energy communities, primarily benefiting household consumers.

Supporting Local Solar Communities


The Slovenian government has launched a €16 million programme to support self-sufficient solar communities. The initiative — co-financed by Slovenia’s EU Cohesion Policy Programme — will fund photovoltaic (PV) projects that promote renewable energy generation.

The programme — running until 2027 — will provide non-refundable grants to eligible energy communities. The government has set a minimum requirement of 100 kW for installed PV modules, with or without battery storage. These projects will be developed by local energy communities, whose members are primarily household consumers.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development stated that the funding aims to boost electricity production from renewable sources. Slovenia installed 400 MW of new solar capacity in 2023, thus bringing its total to 1.1 GW. This investment aligns with the country’s long-term goals for energy security and sustainability.

EU Funding for Renewable Energy


Slovenia has received €11.9 million in European Union funding to support the community self-supply of electricity between 2025 and 2027. The initiative is part of the European Cohesion Policy Programme and the Green Transformation for Climate Neutrality.

By subsidising solar communities, Slovenia seeks to expand decentralised energy production. The initiative also aims to develop smart energy systems outside the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E). This will allow communities to generate and store their electricity, reducing dependence on central grids.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has provided €284 million in financing for Slovenia in 2024. This includes €154 million from the EIB and €130 million from the European Investment Fund (EIF). The funding targets energy projects, business innovation and capital markets.

The EIB has also signed agreements with three power companies to upgrade Slovenia’s electricity grids. The bank has committed €36 million to Elektro Maribor, €50 million to Elektro Ljubljana and €58 million to Elektro Celje. These loans will strengthen regional energy infrastructure, integrate renewable energy and expand electric vehicle charging networks.

Fostering Innovation in Renewable Energy


In addition to energy infrastructure investments, the EIB has pledged €40 million to the Vesna Deep Tech Venture Fund. This fund focuses on technology transfer in Slovenia and Croatia, which supports early-stage businesses and protects intellectual property.

EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris highlighted the bank’s commitment to a sustainable Slovenian economy. He stated that these investments will enhance the country’s energy resilience and support economic growth.

"We are committed to fostering a sustainable, innovative and inclusive Slovenian economy," said Kakouris. "Our investments in Slovenia last year not only strengthen the country’s energy resilience and competitiveness but also ensure that businesses and communities can thrive in a rapidly changing environment."

Over the past five years, the EIB Group has invested more than €1 billion in Slovenia. Its focus has been on sustainable transport, energy infrastructure and capital markets. The financing of local electricity distribution now covers four out of five Slovenian distribution companies. These firms supply electricity to about 90% of Slovenian households.

Since 1996, the EIF has facilitated €531 million in financing for about 8,000 Slovenian enterprises, supporting 78,000 jobs. The continued investment in solar communities and renewable energy projects is expected to further strengthen Slovenia’s economy.

Towards a Greener Future


Slovenia’s investment in solar communities represents a major step towards decentralised renewable energy production. The €16 million programme will empower local communities to produce their electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By funding photovoltaic (PV) projects with at least 100 kW capacity, the initiative ensures that solar communities contribute significantly to the country’s energy mix.

The government’s focus on energy self-sufficiency aligns with Slovenia’s 2050 climate targets and the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy. Encouraging local solar production reduces dependence on imported energy, enhances sustainability, and strengthens resilience against climate change.

With additional support from the EU and EIB, Slovenia is advancing its clean energy transition. The integration of renewable energy into local grids — supported by upgraded electricity infrastructure — will make energy distribution more efficient. Solar communities will also enhance grid stability by allowing households to generate, store, and use their electricity.


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