The main result of the implemented pilot action investment in the Municipality of Koper are renovated public lights. This was done as one of the main actions of the energy plan. Investment into smart lighting – modernization of public lighting for the Slemenska road was made in accordance with the Decree on limit values due to light pollution of environment, with amendments and supplements. Pilot action is in line with one of the main actions of Local energy concept and Sustainable Energy Action Plan. Energy savings and operating costs of the installed SCADA system, together with LED lighting technology, will contribute up to 60 percent lower lighting costs. On the other hand, this technology prolongs the life of the lamps and further contributes to the reduction of light pollution. Energy consumption after the implementation of the investment will decrease by 9.876 kWh per year.
Pilot action is in line with one of the main actions of Local energy concept and Sustainable Energy Action Plan. The pilot action investment creates a more pleasant living environment, as they have a uniform standard of lighting. It is an investment in the future, as the luminaires are suitable for smart city management. Simultaneously with the renovation, the cadastre of municipal public lighting was updated, and the implementation of energy monitoring was also ensured. The pilot action is an example of good practice with cost savings, better and cheaper maintenance, control, and flexible management of the system and can be replicated in other cities/territories. The Municipality's plan is to gradually install smart lighting in other areas in the future. Social benefits for residents: reduced accident rate, safe.
Within the ENES-CE project Municipality of Koper supported the creation of a solar energy cooperative in the suburban area of the municipality. By laying the foundations for the solar energy cooperative, Municipality aimed to involve citizens in the process of clean energy transition and towards greater energy independence for both the municipality and its citizens. One key aspect was to encourage citizens to have access to renewable energy sources, which will significantly help to reduce household costs and, at the same time, encourage a more responsible and sustainable attitude towards the environment. Sunny cooperative Koper was established on 12th of September 2022 – it is the first energy cooperative in Primorska region and one of the first inn Slovenia. The founders of the solar energy cooperative are the Municipality of Koper and citizens. The model that was prepared can be transferred to other projects and investments in Slovenia and abroad. All potential members of cooperative have the same reason to join the cooperative – energy independent, reduction of electricity costs. Residents of other local communities already expressed interest for using public buildings for installation of power solar plants. We wish that in the future the cooperation will grow with similar projects.
Solar energy cooperative is in line with one of the main actions of Local energy concept and Sustainable Energy Action Plan. Municipality of Koper would like to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 40 % by 2030. Newly established solar energy cooperative can become a good example of good practice. The model that was prepared can be transferred to other projects and investments. Municipality of Koper would like to implement more projects. Residents of other local communities already expressed interest for using public buildings for installation of power solar plants. We wish that in the future the cooperation will grow with similar projects.