Loški Potok is a small municipality with an ambitious goal. In the heart of Slovenia’s mountains, the small municipality of Loški Potok is proving that even the most remote communities can lead the way in renewable energy. With less than 2,000 inhabitants and nearly 88% of its area covered by forest, Loški Potok has set an ambitious goal to become fully energy self-sufficient by the end of 2025.

At the center of this transformation is the Loški Potok Wood Cooperative, founded in 2017. The cooperative manages a district heating system powered by wood biomass, supplying heat to public buildings like the municipal office, health center, primary school, and elderly home, as well as some private households and businesses.

The wood used comes from nearby forests, often from low-quality wood that would otherwise go unused. Instead of importing fuel, the municipality now keeps energy spending within the local community, creating income, employment, and stability.

In its first full year of operation, the cooperative delivered 860 MWh of heat, potentially replacing around 90,000 liters of heating oil and saving the municipality €30,000. The switch also reduced CO₂ emissions by 115 tons.

Originally supported by EU cohesion funds, once the financing period ends, the cooperative has pledged to transfer the heating system to the municipality, ensuring that benefits remain local in the future.

By expanding into solar and wind energy, Loški Potok continues its path toward energy independence, showing how even the smallest communities can make a big contribution to Slovenia’s renewable future.