National Institute of Chemistry Presents Its Laboratory in Velenje to European Commission Delegation
On 21 October 2026, a delegation from the European Commission, accompanied by representatives of the relevant ministries, visited Velenje to review progress on key Just Transition projects in the SAŠA region. Among the main projects presented was the Biomass Biorefining Research Laboratory, which the National Institute of Chemistry is establishing within the Velenje Technology Park – TecHub.
Associate Professor Miha Grilc, PhD, representing the National Institute of Chemistry, presented plans for the establishment of state-of-the-art research infrastructure dedicated to developing advanced technologies for converting biomass into new materials and high-value chemical products. The total investment amounts to €15.4 million, of which €13 million is provided through European funding.
The project focuses on research into renewable resources, more efficient biomass utilisation, and the development of innovative technological solutions. The new infrastructure will also enable researchers to conduct research at pilot scale, facilitating the faster transfer of knowledge and technologies to industry.
The laboratory will operate within TecHub Technology Park, one of the key development projects supporting the economic restructuring of the Šalek Valley. The technology park will provide modern infrastructure for research activities, testing new technologies, and fostering collaboration between businesses and research organisations. The partnership between the National Institute of Chemistry and the local community represents an important step towards creating new development opportunities in a region facing the challenges of transitioning to a post-coal economy.
On this occasion, Associate Professor Miha Grilc, PhD, emphasised:
"By establishing this laboratory, we will create research infrastructure that will enable us to conduct research at the highest level. This will provide an important foundation for participating in new European and national research projects and for strengthening our collaboration with industry. A key advantage of the laboratory is that it will not be limited to laboratory-scale research but will also support the development and testing of processes at more advanced technological scales. With reactors capable of handling several hundred litres, we will be able to bring our research closer to real industrial conditions and bridge the gap between the laboratory and the market. Our goal is to ensure that the knowledge generated through research is transferred as effectively as possible into practical applications in industry."
The visit by the European Commission delegation reaffirmed the importance of investing in research and development capacities and fostering cooperation among stakeholders in implementing the Just Transition.
The Biomass Biorefining Research Laboratory project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union under the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, through the Just Transition Fund.
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