Purpose of the Investment Project:
The construction of the Center for Development, Demonstration, and Training in Zero-Carbon Technologies (DUBT Center) aims to create the infrastructure and technological conditions for advanced research and educational activities in zero-carbon technologies. The project will provide suitable equipment and safe working environments, essential for effective research and training. The center will act as a hub for transferring knowledge gained in laboratories of Slovenian and international research organizations to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). It will participate in European and industrial projects where development is carried out at TRL 5-6, with the potential to advance to higher TRL levels. This process will facilitate the integration of advanced technologies into industrial practice.

The investment will positively impact the technological development of the Zasavje region, where the center will be located, contributing to its technological renewal and restructuring. The DUBT Center will serve as a validation laboratory for testing new advanced materials and solutions developed in laboratories and industry. This includes testing in industrial applications, comparing advanced materials from various environments, supporting regulatory requirements, and standardizing the use of new materials and chemicals. The project will include the assessment of potential business models for advanced technologies at an early development stage, enabling better-defined goals and efficient utilization of new materials and technologies in industry.

Additionally, the center will facilitate staff training and education. With new infrastructure and high-tech equipment, the National Institute of Chemistry will more effectively transfer knowledge to students and young researchers. The center will also participate in training employees of partnering companies. The establishment of new research facilities will enable the National Institute of Chemistry to increase its involvement in international scientific collaboration, particularly within the European Union. This will promote faster knowledge and technology transfer and strengthen cooperation with research groups and industry partners worldwide. The DUBT Center will provide the Zasavje and Slovenian economies with access to advanced research infrastructure, enable innovation testing, and accelerate progress to higher levels of technological maturity. The DUBT Center will significantly contribute to the development and restructuring of the Zasavje region, creating new jobs and improving the quality of life in the area. It will support Slovenia’s sustainable development and competitiveness on the international market, in line with national and European strategic objectives.

The project is designated in the Regional Just Transition Plan for the Zasavje coal mining region as a project of strategic importance and is aligned with key strategic documents such as “Sustainable and Green Transition” (national Recovery and Resilience Plan), “Natural and Traditional Resources for the Future” (Slovenian Smart Specialization Strategy S4), and “A High-Productivity Economy Creating Value for All” (Strategy 2030).

The project “Center for Development, Demonstration, and Training in Zero-Carbon Technologies (DUBT Center)” is a crucial step toward a low-carbon society. By providing suitable equipment and infrastructure, the center will enable advanced research and educational activities, contribute to the technological development of the Zasavje region, and strengthen the involvement of Slovenian research and industrial partners in the international scientific community.

Expected Project Outcomes:

• Raziskave: Izboljšanje naložb v regiji in komplementarnost z mednarodnimi iniciativami.
• Tehnologije: Razvoj naprednih materialov in storitev za brezogljične tehnologije na višji TRL (Technology Readiness Level).
• Inovacije: Višja inovacijska raven regije in implementacija brezogljičnih tehnologij.
• Gospodarstvo: Prenos znanja, rast industrije in MSP-jev.
• Človeški viri: Krepitev raziskovalnega potenciala in razvojnih kompetenc.
• Ozaveščanje: Povečanje ozaveščenosti javnosti in podpora odločevalcem.

Project Consistency with the Just Transition Plan for the Zasavje Coal Region:

• Project Alignment with the Regional Just Transition Plan for the Zasavje Coal Mining Region:

The center’s operations will promote energy efficiency improvements and the enhancement of industrial energy use and emissions intensity (the development and application of new technologies will improve energy efficiency in production processes, reduce process and fuel emissions, and increase the number of carbon capture and reuse measures).

• Sustainable, Resilient, and Diverse Economic Development and High-Value-Added Jobs:

Through its local presence, the center will facilitate and increase the transfer of knowledge and new technologies, thereby aiding economic development and progress and creating higher-value-added jobs. Collaboration between the National Institute of Chemistry as a research institution and industry will enhance sustainable growth of local businesses and improve research and development capacities.

• Introducing Sustainable and Circular Content in Formal and Informal Education Systems:

By transferring expert knowledge to younger generations of students and young researchers, the center and the broader research organization to which it belongs will fulfill their mission. This will increase competence in the international (especially European) research environment and improve access to the latest research trends.

• Qualified, Highly Motivated Workforce and Social and Cultural Renewal of the Region:

By sharing knowledge acquired through research and development, students and young researchers will be given future opportunities in the region. The center will also help train employees in partnering companies, enabling local residents to remain and work professionally within their region.