The Slovenia Times

Zasavje region to produce green hydrogen

Environment & NatureScience & Technology
Ljubljana
Demonstration of hydrogen refuelling of bus.
Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA
File photo

The Zasavje region in central Slovenia, which has abandoned coal and is now focusing on carbon-free technologies, plans to set up two major facilities for the production of renewable hydrogen with the help of free advice from UK energy consultancy Element Energy.

The Zasavje Regional Development Agency (RRA) and its partners have successfully applied for a call by H2Regions.eu, which supports local authorities to develop their concepts for regional hydrogen and fuel cell projects into detailed work plans.

The RRA developed the project last year in cooperation with the country's biggest power producer HSE, glassworks Steklarna Hrastnik, national transmission grid operator ELES, gas network operator Plinovodi, the Jožef Stefan Institute and other partners.

They plan to produce some 250 tonnes of green hydrogen a year for local use. The hydrogen will be obtained via electrolysis, using electricity from renewable sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

"Being a region with a rich energy production heritage it makes sense for us to continue with this activity. But it is important that we switch to cutting-edge and clean technologies and use the existing energy infrastructure or incorporate the hydrogen technology into the industry in the region," the project coordinator Kristijan Adamlje was quoted in a press release issued by RRA Zasavje on 17 January.

Green hydrogen can increase the region's energy independence, help decarbonise industry and encourage new business models and new hydrogen-based business activities.

UK energy consultancy Element Energy will provide 360 hours or 45 days of consulting free of charge this year to help prepare all the necessary project documents.

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