April 2025 marked a significant chapter for the project ECOLOOP, as it took center stage in Slovenia’s leading agricultural and energy sector events. The Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS), one of the project’s key partners and pilot leader, played a central role in showcasing ECOLOOP’s mission to accelerate the green transition in rural areas.
Throughout the month, ECOLOOP was presented in a series of strategic gatherings, underscoring its relevance in the evolving landscape of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy practices in Slovenia.
From Waste to Energy: Slovenia’s Circular Economy in Focus
One of the month’s highlights was the event “Business in the Circular Economy: Turning Waste into Energy!” held on April 22 in Ljubljana. With the Slovenian biogas sector under the spotlight, the event emphasized the role of biogas plants as more than energy producers—they are pivotal to waste valorization and the production of organic fertilisers.
Kicking off the event, Dr. Blaž Germšek from KIS delivered the opening presentation, introducing ECOLOOP and outlining its objectives. His talk resonated strongly with the event’s central themes, as participants discussed the urgent need to modernize biogas infrastructure, explore the potential of biomethane, and improve policy frameworks.
In 2023 alone, Slovenian biogas facilities processed 233,000 tons of organic waste, producing 87 GWh of electricity—a testament to the sector’s capacity to drive circularity and sustainability. ECOLOOP’s alignment with these goals was clear, highlighting its role in fostering climate resilience and supporting rural economies.
The event highlighted that biogas plants are not only energy producers, but strategic assets for climate resilience and rural development — a vision shared by ECOLOOP.
Check the ECOLOOP presentation by Dr Blaž Germšek here.
ECOLOOP Engages the Public at Komenda Spring Fair
Earlier in the month, ECOLOOP reached a broader audience at the 30th Spring Agricultural and Craft Fair in Komenda (April 11–13), one of the country’s most popular community-based agricultural events. At the KIS stand, a dedicated ECOLOOP roll-up display sparked conversations with farmers, local stakeholders, and curious fairgoers about the promise of renewable energy in farming.
The exhibition was a valuable outreach opportunity, supporting ECOLOOP’s goal to raise awareness about sustainable practices at the grassroots level. By connecting with people directly involved in agriculture, the project continues to build community support for its innovations.
Scientific Synergies and Knowledge Exchange in Mengeš
Additionally, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia hosted Dr. Fouad Al-Mansour from the Jožef Stefan Institute , Centre for Energy Efficiency (CEU) at its Jablje Infrastructure Centre in Mengeš. The expert visit focused on fostering collaboration in renewable energy and energy efficiency in agriculture.
During the meeting, KIS presented its micro biogas plant and introduced ECOLOOP’s ongoing activities, offering a platform to discuss synergies with other research and innovation projects. This exchange reinforced the strategic importance of science-driven partnerships in advancing energy transitions in rural settings.
April’s series of events clearly positioned ECOLOOP as a dynamic force within Slovenia’s sustainable development ecosystem. By engaging with policymakers, scientists, farmers, and the wider public, the project continues to expand its impact—building the bridges necessary for a greener, more resilient rural Europe.
As ECOLOOP’s journey continues, Slovenia’s example serves as a powerful reminder that local action and international cooperation go hand in hand in powering the future of rural energy.
