Marko Gregorič (on the Photo with the Vicepresident of the SKS Mrs. Zalka Kuchling), entrepreneur from Globasnitz, has been engaged in alternative energy sources for years. He is cooperating with renowned partners from the fields of photovoltaic and thermic energy. (plus photo)

As an independent entrepreneur you are dealing with alternative energy sources and systems, namely with the future of the energy supply. What are the potentials of the domestic market and of the neighbourhood Carinthia on the other side of the Karavanke mountains?

Photovoltaic (sun and electricity) and biomass power are the energy sources of the future. As the fossil energetic sources (oil, coal and gas) are limited, the so called green energy will acquire on its meaning in the next couple of ten years. More and more people decide themselves for solar appliances and also for heating systems with biomass power in combination with the energy of the sun. Furthermore the government and the communities support the solar thermic technology which is very suitable for the environment. All the mentioned gives incentive to the house owners and to the companies to consider the advantages of this technology. There is enough of potential of green energy on both sides of the border. In the last years the interest for solar energy generally grew since the price of oil for heating went up. Slovenia is pushing photovoltaic and also the financial incentives from the government are higher as in Austria.

The Working Community “Dežela pod Peco- Petzenland” is active for some years. Do you have a suggestion how the cooperation among the communities and especially among the companies could be increased?

I think the existence of this Working Community is positive because the border communities here and on the other side of the border get to know each other and try to establish contacts. I suggest that the Alps-Adriatic Centre for Cross-border Co-operation (AACC) takes the initiative and- together with the Working Community- invites all representatives of companies, from tourism to craft, to a mutual meeting where possible programmes and definite plans are to be discussed.

www.solarmark.at
gregoric@solarmark.at