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Description
The overall goal of the project is to increase the production of energy from renewable sources. The specific objectives of the project are:
1. Construction of a solar power plant in the port of Koper with an approximate installed capacity of 3 MW.
2. Construction of a solar power plant in the Municipality of Koper with an approximate installed capacity of 270 kW.
The project is in line with Slovenia''s Long-term Climate Strategy 2050, which points the way to a green transition of the economy with net-zero emissions; Local energy concept, Action plan for sustainable energy and Strategic business plan of Luka Koper. Currently, the Port of Koper produces only 1% of energy from renewable sources (sun). With the construction of a solar power plant within this project, the share of energy produced from renewable sources will increase to 10% of the year-round electricity consumption in the port. In the initial phase, the project will address various aspects of solar energy utilization, from the construction of solar power plants, the selection of the best locations for the installations, the selection of photovoltaic panels, energy consumption options and storage of its surpluses. The justification of the choice of investing in the construction of solar power plants in comparison with other ways of exploiting renewable sources (wind farms, geothermal energy, etc.) at the selected location will be elaborated.
The key activities are: - Preparation of a study that will be the basis for the construction of solar power plants in the MOK and in the Port of Koper. - Construction of a solar power plant in the Port of Koper. - Construction of a solar power plant in the MOK.
Summary of project results
Solar power plants are at the forefront of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. They address the critical issue of reducing dependency on non-renewable and polluting energy sources, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. By generating electricity from solar energy, these projects significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional coal, oil, or natural gas power plants. This directly addresses the urgent need to reduce the global carbon footprint and slow the pace of global warming. By incorporating solar energy into the power grid, utilities can improve grid stability and reliability. Solar power can provide significant amount of energy and ensures increased self-sufficiency of the port.
Within SOPOREM project three main activities were carried out:
- Study on renewable energy (optimization of solar power plant construction, alternative solutions for use and storage of renewable sources of energy in port of Koper and Municipality of Koper, defining steps and cost estimations for further expansion of renewable sources of energy usage).
- Construction of 0,459 MW solar power plant in Municipality of Koper (P+R Garage Sonce)
- Construction of 3,3 MW power plant in the port of Koper (rooftops of warehousesnr. 50 and 51)
The main goal of this project was to increase energy production from renewable sources in the Port of Koper and the Municipality of Koper, thereby contributing to the reduction of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
As part of the project, the lead partner, Luka Koper, built one of the largest solar power plants in the country, which spans the roofs of the general cargo terminal warehouses. The 3.3-megawatt solar power plant will significantly contribute to greater energy independence and a cleaner environment, with the produced energy reducing CO2 emissions by 1,500 tons annually. Annually, it will produce as much electricity as is consumed by more than 880 households in Slovenia on average.
The second solar power plant, with over a thousand modules and an installed capacity of 459 kilowatts, was constructed by the Municipality of Koper on the roof of the Sonce parking garage. This power plant will produce 505 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, sufficient to supply 50 households each year. The produced electricity will be utilized by various public buildings in the municipality.
Summary of bilateral results
Donor project partner brought additional resources to the table, not just in terms of personnel but mainly in terms of expertise and technology. This enhanced the project’s scope, quality and execution. It also filled some gaps in the team''s capabilities, mainly in technical skills, or market knowledge. Partnering with a reputable organization can bolster the project’s credibility and gaining community support. It was also a critical factor in winning public tender (additional points in evaluation process). A donor project partner opened doors for Slovenian partners to innovative environment and potentially breakthrough technologies in Norway that were previously difficult to access, whether due to regulatory barriers or language barriers. Donor project partner was responsible for preparation of the study on renewable energy (optimization of solar power plant construction, alternative solutions for use and storage of renewable sources of energy in port of Koper and Municipality of Koper, defining steps and cost estimations for further expansion of renewable sources of energy).Their knowledge and experience led to comprehensive study, considering the latest available technologies in terms of usage and storage of renewable energy sources, focusing for the possibilities in the port of Koper and Municipality of Koper.