Slovenia’s battery push: Borzen launched a €10m non-repayable grant for legal entities installing battery energy storage systems, covering up to 45% of eligible costs (capped at €225/kWh), with applications opening in August and grid connection required by July 31, 2026. Zero-carbon R&D in coal country: A new €32m centre for carbon-free technologies opened in Kisovec, part of the National Institute of Chemistry, aiming to turn Zasavje’s mining legacy into research, prototypes and pilot projects supported by the EU Just Transition Fund. Aquaculture conference in Ljubljana: The European Aquaculture Society set plenary speakers for its 2026 conference in Ljubljana (Sept 28–Oct 1), with sessions on sustainability under climate change and policy pathways toward net zero. Carbon pricing debate: A commentary argues the EU ETS is working for power and industry but struggles to cut shipping emissions, highlighting a gap between policy politics and real-world pollution. Local tourism with a lighter footprint: A new boutique hotel in Prekmurje (Sončno Polje) opened near Moravske Toplice, built almost entirely from wood with a thatched roof and designed to shift away from mass tourism. Regional context: Slovenia also appears in wider EU competitiveness and policy discussions, including carbon-market benchmark politics and energy-security investment links.