LABORATORY FOR BIOREFINERY RESEARCH (LAB)
Laboratory for Biorefinery Research (LAB), established by the National Institute of Chemistry, will be established using funds obtained for the restructuring of coal regions in line with just transition principles. The laboratory will operate within the Technology Park, which is being developed by the Municipality of Velenje, and will be located in the Stara vas area of Velenje. As both projects are combined into a single facility, this is a co-investment by both project leaders, with each investor financing their respective part.
Construction of the TechHub Technology Park began in September 2025 and will be completed in December 2026, with the entire project scheduled for completion in August 2027.
Purpose and objective of the investment project
The purpose of the investment project is to strengthen capacities in the Savinja-Šaleška region for research, development, and innovation in renewable energy sources. The laboratory will serve as a science hub, positively impacting the economy through the development of new products and services related to the transition to a low-carbon society. Above all, it will drive research, development, and innovation activities in the region.
The aim of the project is to construct a new facility and establish a laboratory with state-of-the-art research infrastructure for developing technologies in biomass biorefining and renewable energy sources. With its process and analytical equipment, the laboratory will be technologically competitive with leading global research centers. Equipment, including small and large batch and flow reactor systems, will be primarily intended for biomass fractionation and further valorization of bio-based components.
The importance of the laboratory for the Savinja-Šaleška region
Establishing a new laboratory in the local area will significantly strengthen the region's development, research, and innovation potential, and support its transition to more sustainable and innovative operations.
The laboratory will serve as a catalyst for innovation, cooperation with industry, and the effective transfer of knowledge and technology into practice. It will also be a key lever for achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal, the smart specialization strategy (S5), and the development needs of the Savinja-Šaleška region.
Project funding and value
The project is being implemented within the framework of the European Cohesion Policy for the period 2021-2027, in accordance with the principles of the Just Transition Fund, which promotes investment in research and development, particularly in the areas of energy and material efficiency, renewable energy sources, and the circular economy.
The total investment is worth €15.4 million, of which €14.2 million is provided by European funds.
Funders:
https://evropskasredstva.si/en/
