Sustainable growth: Slovenia's greenhouse revolution

Greenhouse construction in Slovenia has been a growing trend, particularly in response to the country's need to increase agricultural self-sufficiency and adapt to changing climate conditions. Slovenian greenhouse projects often incorporate advanced technologies and sustainable practices to optimize growing conditions and reduce environmental impact. The use of geothermal energy, a renewable resource abundantly available in certain regions of Slovenia, is a common feature in greenhouse construction, providing a consistent heat source throughout the year.

The construction of these facilities is typically modular and scalable, allowing for phased expansions based on demand and investment capacity. This approach not only facilitates manageable growth but also enables the integration of the latest technological advancements as they become available. Slovenian greenhouse projects, like the GreenGardens project, also focus on building infrastructure that supports the entire supply chain, including cold storage, logistics, and distribution networks.

Slovenia's northeastern region is set to host the country's largest greenhouse vegetable production complex, the GreenGardens project, with an investment of €80 million. The project will cover 22 hectares and focus on sustainable vegetable production using renewable energy, including geothermal and solar sources. The facility aims to boost Slovenia's self-sufficiency in vegetables, potentially increasing lettuce self-sufficiency from 25% to 53%. The project, led by partners Matej Bandelj, Gregor Počivavšek, and Boštjan Bandlej, will be developed in three phases, with production starting in late 2025 or early 2026. It is expected to create 100-150 jobs and include additional infrastructure like rainwater storage and cold storage facilities. 

Source: https://sloveniatimes.com/40627/-80-million-greenhouse-complex-planned-in-prekmurje