The SZE 2024 International Conference, titled “Response of Energy Solutions to Climate Change”, brought together over 200 experts from industry and academia to address the pressing issue of climate change. Held in the coastal town of Portorož, the conference focused on high-tech solutions that can enhance energy efficiency, produce cleaner energy, and promote social prosperity.

Climate change has far-reaching impacts, including biodiversity loss and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as fires, droughts, and floods. The conference provided a vital platform for discussing how various energy sectors are tackling these challenges.

An important part of the event was the presentation by the 3DIVERSE project partners, who shared their research on the “Analysing the Influence of Stable and Lower Consumer Return Temperature on Heat Losses in an Isolated Branch of a District Heating System.” The study, supported by 3DIVERSE, was presented by Katja Klinar on behalf of her co-authors: Marko Keber, Tine Seljak, and Andrej Kitanovski from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, and Gregor Cvet and Janez Ramšak from Komunalno podjetje Velenje.

The research analysed how reducing the return and supply temperature can decrease heat losses in the insulated branch of the district heating system in the Savinjsko-Saleška Valley. This innovative approach, which was addressed, improved energy efficiency.

The conference underlined the importance of cooperation and cutting-edge research in developing sustainable energy solutions. It highlighted the role of heat pumps and related technologies in enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating the effects of climate change.

As the world continues to tackle with the consequences of climate change, events like the SZE 2024 International Conference are key in promoting dialogue, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future.

Photos: Barbara Reya, SZE’s official photographer

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April 6, 2026

The Final 3DIVERSE Newsletter is out!

We are pleased to share that the final newsletter of the 3DIVERSE project has now been published.

After three and a half years, the 3DIVERSE project has come to an end, while its results remain an important foundation for a just and effective energy transition in the Šaleška Valley and beyond.

The final edition of the newsletter looks back at the project’s key achievements, highlights the lessons learned, and shows how the developed tools, approaches and results can continue to support other regions across Europe.

All key project outputs remain available in open access: the DHNpype and DisCoNetHeat tools, five scientific publications in the 3DIVERSE Zenodo Community, the Lessons Learnt document, and the Replication Guide.

Read the final newsletter here.
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February 2, 2026

3DIVERSE Final Event: from tools to next steps for a smarter, cleaner district heating transition

As the 3DIVERSE project (funded under the European Union’s LIFE Programme) moves from delivery to long-term uptake, we are inviting municipalities, utilities, engineers, policymakers, civil society and youth representatives to the 3DIVERSE Final Event on 12 February 2026 at Vila Bianca in Velenje, Slovenia.
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April 16, 2025

3DIVERSE Newsletter Reaches Its Fifth Edition

The 3DIVERSE project has entered its final six months, marking a crucial phase of finalizing and reviewing the results achieved throughout its duration. As we complete the remaining activities, our focus is on ensuring the long-term visibility and impact of the project's outcomes.
This fifth edition of the newsletter highlights recent achievements, key developments, and the next steps toward maximizing the use and dissemination of the 3DIVERSE models beyond the project's lifetime.
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