The coal-fired power station on the bank of the Sava River in Trbovlje in central Slovenia, which used to produce six percent of electricity generated in the country, has been declared unprofitable which is why it will be shut down, and a largest number of employees have been already fired.
Its smokestack, built in 1976, now expects a decision from the Slovenian authorities about its destiny.
There are several proposals, ranging from demolition to transforming this tallest European chimney into a venue for BASE jumping. The latter proposal is also seen as an opportunity to develop tourism in the town which is now hit by high unemployment.
One of proposals is that this smokestack can be used as an incineration plant for hazardous waste, according to reports from Slovenian media.