The Bill for TEŠ: Money to People, No to Coal

The project addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change, continued public financing of fossil-fuel-based activities, weak transparency and civil oversight, and poor governance of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ). TEŠ remains Slovenia’s largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions, while its financial losses are increasingly transferred to the state budget. The project also responds to the limited participation of environmental NGOs in decision-making processes concerning public financing of climate-damaging activities. In parallel, the Šaleška Valley lacks a clear and sustainable alternative to the current heating system. The action therefore seeks to strengthen civil oversight, improve transparency, support informed public debate, and promote a just transition towards sustainable heating alternatives.

The project aims to strengthen civil oversight of public financing that supports climate-damaging activities and improve transparency and accountability in the governance of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ). It will support strategic litigation concerning the participation of environmental NGOs in decision-making on public financing, while using communication and advocacy to raise awareness of the climate, financial and governance consequences of continued TEŠ financing. The project will prepare targeted communication materials, engage decision-makers, NGOs, journalists and the public, and develop recommendations for amendments to relevant legislation. It will also promote sustainable alternatives to the current heating system in the Šaleška Valley and contribute to a fair green transition.

The project aims to achieve several interconnected results related to climate protection, transparent public financing, civil oversight, and the future of heating in the Šaleška Valley. First, it seeks to strengthen effective civil oversight of public funding for climate-damaging measures, particularly the financing of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ). The project will raise awareness of the environmental and financial consequences of continued public financing of TEŠ and promote discussion of sustainable alternatives for heating in the Šaleška Valley.

A key result will be the preparation of recommendations for amendments to the ZPFPPIP legislation, with the aim of improving transparency, public participation, and accountability in decisions concerning TEŠ financing. The project will also produce a communication package, including key messages, public statements, social media content, and crisis communication materials.

The project primarily targets decision-makers, including members of parliament, parliamentary groups, ministers, state secretaries, and senior officials. It also addresses environmental NGOs and civil society organizations working on transparency and the rule of law, journalists, and the general public. Particular attention will be given to people concerned about climate change, responsible management of public funds, corruption, and poor governance. The communication activities are expected to reach at least 10,000 people, while advocacy activities will directly engage relevant decision-makers and approximately 50 NGO representatives.