On Tuesday, October 15, an exclusive presentation of the Greentech project, which combines 11 key academic and industrial partners to present innovative solutions for a sustainable future, took place in the Hall of Alma Karlin in Cankarjev dom. The project focuses on reducing Greenhouse gas emissions and Energy Consumption and also on promoting a Circular Economy.
In the opening speech, the dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, prof. dr. Mihael Sekavčnik, pointed out: “Greentech is an important step forward in our commitment to the development of sustainable technologies. Cooperation between different partners will enable a faster transition to new technologies, which is a key to achieving climate goals.”
The guest of honor at the event, dr. Špela Stres, director of the Public Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia (ARIS), had emphasized : “Investments in research and innovation are a key factor in productivity and economic development. I am extremely happy because from what is shown, it is possible to conclude not only the work is taken extremely seriously, but also colleagues are very connected to each other in the implementation. And this connection will be extremely important for the future of the project, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as the project coordinator, and the Slovenian contribution in the field of the green transition.” The director also highlighted the exceptional work of the team of her colleagues: “who set up a financing instrument that enables the implementation of such projects.”
Vice-dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering for scientific research and international cooperation and projet coordinator, prof. dr. Janko Slavič, added: “We want to reduce the consumption of materials, improve energy efficiency and promote smart management of systems. Greentech will enable comprehensive solutions that are going to improve the competitiveness of Slovenian companies and at the same time contribute to the Green Transition.”
Due to the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, Greentech is designed as so called revolution in the industry with an emphasis on the development of advanced, sustainable technologies. The project offers comprehensive solutions that are going to have a significant impact on climate goals.
The main goals of the Greentech project are:
- Reduction of CO2 emissions: Over the next ten years, Greentech will contribute to the reduction of emissions by more than 17 million tons of CO2 by developing energy-efficient devices and improving production processes.
- Reduction of energy consumption: Greentech will contribute to saving 8.93 billion kWh of energy with new solutions for household appliances and industry in ten years
- Material consumption reduction: Greentech aims to reduce material consumption by 800,120 tons by using advanced digital twin methods and AI technologies.
- Smart Systems Management: The use of digital twins and AI is going to optimize production processes, reduce resource consumption, detect anomalies in real time and increase efficiency.
- Circular economy: Greentech promotes a circular economy through the sustainable use of materials, re-recycling and waste reduction.
- Green household appliances: Development of the first prototype of a household heat storage appliance which will reduce energy consumption by 3.8 million MWh and consequently reduce CO2 emissions by 1.23 million tons.
Greentech combines 11 key partners: Gorenje, d.o.o., Fotona, d.o.o., Domel, d.o.o., LPKF, d.o.o., Yaskawa Slovenija d.o.o., Danfoss Trata, d.o.o., Kronoterm, d.o.o. and Medius, d.o.o. and the research organizations Faculty of Social Sciences (UL), Faculty of Management (UP) and the project’s leading partner, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (UL). Their cooperation is going to enable the rapid transition of technologies to the market, which will increase the competitiveness of the Slovenian and European economy.
The project, with a total value of €5.2 million, is co-financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan resources in the amount of €3.75 million which is going to contribute significantly to the green transition in the industry.
You can watch the recording of the entire event on the STA, website, and it is also available via YouTube, and the STA Facebook profile.
Photo: Črt Piksi
