The 364-metre structure is part of the Trbovlje Power Station. It was built in the mid-70s to reduce air pollution. It remains the tallest chimney in Europe as well as the tallest building in Slovenia. The Trbovlje Power Station was taken off line and sent into liquidation in 2014. The chimney is now set to be repurposed.

According to Luka Podjed, the company’s official liquidator, a demolition of the chimney would cost 14 million euros. Neither the Trbovlje Power Station nor its owner HSE can afford that. There are plans afoot to repurpose the structure. It will soon be possible to climb the Trbovlje Chimney as part of a tourist package. Last autumn, some climbers already scaled the chimney off their own bat.

“We first need to conduct a safety check of the ladder, and then we’ll proceed from there. We will hire a contractor for the job,” said Luka Podjed. He believes that this will be done by autumn. Last year, the structure was declared a cultural heritage site. This, however, should not be an obstacle to Podjed’s plan.

Karmen Štrancar Rajevec, Radio Slovenia; translated by D. V.