The operators of the natural gas transmission networks of Slovenia, Austria and Croatia have signed a memorandum of understanding in which they agreed to work together to develop hydrogen infrastructure.

The memorandum was signed 16 December by Slovenia's Plinovodi, Austria's Gas Connect and Croatia's Plinacro.

The operators agreed to develop energy infrastructure in accordance with the EU regulation on trans-European energy infrastructure.

This involves abandoning fossil fuel-related projects and the promotion of projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to Plinacro chairman Ivica Arar, the memorandum provides the basic guidelines for potential hydrogen supply projects on the Croatia-Slovenia-Austria route.

The signatories agreed that greater capacity and the development of pipeline infrastructure for the transfer of hydrogen is in their mutual interest.