Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE), Slovenia’s leading energy partner, has ignited the engines of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) project.
This initiative, propelled by a contract signed with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Joint Undertaking, ushers in a transformative era for the region’s energy landscape. The NAHV project, adorned with 25 million euros in grants, stands as a testament to Europe’s resolute commitment to hydrogen-powered sustainability.
Spearheaded by HSE, the consortium orchestrating the NAHV project comprises a dynamic alliance of 37 organizations encompassing corporations, universities, institutes, and public entities hailing from Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia autonomous region. Bolstered by the imminence of the Horizon Europe program, this ambitious venture envisions the establishment of a dedicated hydrogen valley, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for renewable hydrogen, from production to consumption.
The resounding endorsement of the NAHV project deemed one of the finest in the Horizon Europe tender, echoes the unwavering dedication of HSE and its partners. “We are proud that the exceptionally interesting and promising North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley project has been declared one of the best in the Horizon Europe tender and that we are a leading partner in it,” declared Tomaž Štokelj, CEO of HSE, emphasizing the profound transformative potential this venture holds.
The NAHV project, set to unfold its wings on September 1, 2023, across 72 months, envisions seventeen pioneering pilot projects distributed across diverse locales within the three partner countries. One of the cornerstone elements of this initiative is the installation of hydrogen infrastructure with a capacity for producing up to 3,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually within the vicinity of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ). This strategic move not only aligns with the pursuit of a just transition for coal-dependent regions but also resonates harmoniously with HSE’s role as a driving force in Slovenia’s green evolution.
“The hydrogen valley project is fully compliant with the vision of HSE – the spearhead of Slovenia’s green transition,” asserted Štokelj, underscoring the resonance between this visionary project and HSE’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The NAHV’s strategic blueprint traverses the entire life cycle of renewable hydrogen, encompassing production, storage, distribution, and application across industries spanning manufacturing and land and maritime transportation.
Earning the coveted Seal of Excellence within the Horizon Europe program further underscores the project’s intrinsic value. This accolade is bestowed upon initiatives assessed as exceptional in their impact and potential. The NAHV project’s core objective involves the collaborative development of pilot schemes aimed at generating over 5,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually from green energy sources. Storage, distribution, and utilization mechanisms are integral to these pilots, positioning the project at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution.
Beyond its immediate goals, the NAHV project holds far-reaching implications. By cultivating a robust renewable hydrogen market, encompassing both supply and demand, the initiative lays the groundwork for a competitive energy product of the future. Moreover, the project aligns seamlessly with the European Green Deal’s key tenets, particularly those pertaining to industrial decarbonization and sustainable transportation solutions.
