LJUBLJANA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Slovenian parliament on Wednesday passed a new law requiring most new buildings to install solar power plants, as part of the country's efforts to expand the use of renewable energy.

The legislation was adopted by 45 votes to 21.

Introducing the bill, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment Tina Sersen told lawmakers that renewable energy sources play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adding that both scientific research and practical experience demonstrate the availability of viable solutions.

Under the new law, most newly constructed non-residential buildings with a floor area exceeding 1,000 square meters will be required to install solar power plants from 2026. The requirement will be extended to smaller non-residential buildings from 2027.

New residential buildings will be subject to the requirement starting in 2030, while existing public-sector buildings will be required to install solar power plants between 2027 and 2031, depending on their size.

Exceptions will apply to buildings with insufficient solar exposure and to non-residential buildings with a floor area of less than 250 square meters.

The law also introduces a renewed scheme of state financial subsidies to support the use of renewable energy sources.

Slovenia has been severely affected by climate change in recent years, having experienced the largest forest fire in its history in 2022, followed by record flooding in 2023. Enditem