NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor attends 'Green Powertrains for the Future' conference

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended the 'Green Powertrains for the Future' conference organised by the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Climate Change in cooperation with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC). In his speech, Prime Minister Pahor emphasised that even in a time of crisis, our attention should be focused on the future and the question as to 'how to provide prosperity for our population and the competitiveness of the economy, ensuring the basis for prosperity in the medium- and long-term'. Another way to pursue this objective is undoubtedly the transition to a low-carbon society and sustainable development.

   

The Prime Minister went on to say that the European automotive industry plays a leading role in the world in the development of high-efficiency and clean internal combustion engine technologies. 'Over the last 15 years, it has invested significantly in research and development in this area. It is also one of the key European industries — it is competitive, innovative and successfully cooperates with other related economic sectors.' The Slovenian automotive industry also maintains its position at the top, with 15 to 20 companies involved in projects related to electric vehicles. 'The companies engaged in green car programmes achieve a total annual export value of 1.2 billion euros, manufacturing electric engines, mechatronic components, and components and systems for light vehicle construction.  Currently, Slovenia has the wherewithal to manufacture 50 per cent of an electric car,' said Prime Minister Pahor, adding that the Slovenian automotive industry also actively participates in the green engine project. For this purpose, a consortium of companies has been set up. The companies have already invested 23 million euros in activities related to this project and have also received a subsidy of 20 million euros from the Ministry of the Economy for Slovenian economic development centres.

   

At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Pahor said that we cannot meet the objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent and simultaneously maintain the current level of social prosperity by only using the technologies and measures known today. This objective requires the advent of new technologies and 'innovative approaches and I firmly believe that you will do most of the work in this area.  It is important, however, that we foster cooperation in all areas and systematically develop, stimulate and enhance creativity and innovation'.