Slovenia is set to build a €100mn worth new supercomputer and data center powered by renewable energy in the city of Maribor.

The ambitious project unveiled by Dravske elektrarne Maribor (DEM) on June 4, in collaboration with the government, promises not only to bolster Slovenia's technological infrastructure but also to provide sustainable heating solutions for the city's residents.

DEM also announced the sale of part of its headquarters' land with an area of 3,170 square metres to the state for the construction of a state-of-the-art data centere housing a powerful supercomputer.

Speaking during a visit by Prime Minister Robert Golob and other officials to DEM's headquarters, the company's general manager Damjan Seme outlined the potential of the project.

"This strategic location, with its existing infrastructure, will host a cutting-edge data centre and supercomputer, positioning Maribor at the forefront of technological innovation," Seme was cited as saying by RTV SLO on June 4.

The European Union has pledged €50mn in grants for the supercomputer project, with additional funding expected from the state.

Golob hailed the investment, commenting on its significance in propelling Maribor onto the global stage in fields such as artificial intelligence.

"This investment of over €100mn will place Maribor firmly on the map for advanced technologies, offering unparalleled opportunities for research and development," Golob said.

The new supercomputer will complement Maribor's existing technological assets, such as the supercomputer launched in 2021 at the Institute of Information Sciences.

The project aligns with sustainable practices by using the Mariborski otok hydroelectric plant to power the supercomputer. The excess heat generated by the facility will be harnessed to provide heating for Maribor's residents.

The state's investment includes the allocation of approximately €900,000 to DEM for the land acquisition. The project, scheduled to commence construction next year and slated for completion by 2026.