Maribor, Slovenia
With a population of over 120,000, 52,000 households, and 20,000 buildings, Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city and is steadily advancing towards carbon-neutral heating. Now, the city is taking the next critical step—phasing out fossil fuels in district heating and integrating renewable energy sources.
Maribor's heat detox journey
The transition towards carbon-neutral heating and cooling in Maribor is crucial for improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security. Maribor has a history of progressive energy transitions, shifting from coal to extra-light heating oil 30 years ago, then to natural gas, and now moving towards renewable energy sources.
This transition supports public health, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Phasing out natural gas
District heating is central to Maribor's strategy, with a focus on transitioning from natural gas to renewable energy sources. Future plans include expanding the district heating network, integrating renewable energy, and utilising hydrogen and syn-gas to improve efficiency and sustainability. It also includes constructing a high-temperature heat pump near Pristan and using waste heat from thermal waste treatment plants.
Maribor's strategy can be divided into 3 phases:
- Phase 1 (till 2000): Elimination of coal
- Phase 2 (till 2035): No fossil fuels in district heating
- Phase 3 (till 2040): Full carbon neutrality
Main challenges to detoxify heat
- Technical and financial barriers in retrofitting infrastructure
- Ensuring stable and diversified energy sources
- Regulatory and administrative hurdles
- Public acceptance and behavioral change
Next steps
- Expanding renewable energy integration
- Enhancing energy efficiency measures
- Increasing public-private partnerships
- Continuous monitoring and adjustment of strategies
Where Maribor is in its heat strategy
The city's heat map
Source: Interactive Heat Map MOM 2018
Maribor's Heat Detox
Key Heat Figures
- Emissions related to heating: In 2018, the Municipality of Maribor produced 621,640 tons of CO2, equating to 5.63 tons per capita. The primary sources were electricity (44%), diesel (16%), extra-light heating oil (14%), gasoline (11%), natural gas (10%), district heating (5%), and other fuels (less than 1%).
- Km of DHC currently: 40 km (90% natural gas-based).
- Km of DHC planned: Expansion with a focus on renewable energy integration, targeting a substantial increase by 2030. The goal is to achieve 60% self-sufficiency in heat supply through renewable energy and waste heat recovery.
- Percentage of renewables in heating system: Currently at 20%, with plans to exceed 50% by 2030 through biomass, geothermal, waste heat and high-temperature heat pumps utilizing the Drava River.
Covenant Figures
- Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since: 2011
Overall CO2 emission reduction target: Carbon neutrality by 2040
- % GHG emissions reductions by 2030: 55%
- % GHG emissions reductions by 2050: Achieve full carbon neutrality
City Awards
- European Youth Capital 2013
Related links
Financing your heat strategy
Budget: 150 € million projected until 2030
Sources of funding (rough breakdown):
- Local, regional, and national funds
- EU structural funds, subsidies
- Public-private partnerships (PPP)
- Financial institutions: World Bank, EIB, Hydrogen Bank
- EU-funded projects: Life, EUKI, ELENA support
- Energy communities
Contact
Dr. Vlasta Krmelj, Dipl.Ing.
Energy and Climate Agency of Podravje