ELES, Plinovodi, and Yokogawa Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Nationwide Hydrogen Ecosystem in Slovenia

Sep 10: ELES, Plinovodi, and Yokogawa Electric Corporation announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance collaboration on the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia with the aim of strengthening the resilience of the country's critical energy infrastructure and building a foundation for the establishment of Slovenian low-carbon hydrogen sector. The agreement was signed on September 10th alongside ministerial meetings in Japan, and witnessed by representatives of the Japanese and Slovenian governments.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation among ELES, Plinovodi, and Yokogawa to explore how to strengthen the resilience of Slovenia's most critical energy infrastructure. The three companies aim to advance sector coupling across electricity, gas, and hydrogen infrastructures, seeking to enhance energy security and system stability as renewable energy deployment continues to grow. Expected activities include collaboration on a demonstration project for a hydrogen plant that interfaces with the electricity and gas transmission networks, along with the digital solutions necessary to support the orchestrated, coordinated operation of both infrastructures. This initiative also aims to upgrade the Slovenian electricity and gas network operations with resilient green hydrogen mobility solutions to support the maintenance of critical infrastructure, as well as mobile backup units for electricity distribution that serve a multifunctional purpose by also acting as electricity fast-charging units.

Building on their respective expertise in energy infrastructure, system operations, and digital innovation, ELES, Plinovodi, and Yokogawa share a common vision of advancing the integration of hydrogen into Slovenia's future energy system. ELES will contribute its experience in managing and developing Slovenia's electricity transmission system and is the initiator of the consortium established to develop a hydrogen ecosystem based on low-carbon hydrogen sources in Slovenia on the power side. Plinovodi contributes its expertise in gas transmission infrastructure and the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including Slovenia’s integration into emerging European hydrogen corridors. As part of the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative, the company is preparing the transmission system for renewable and carbon-neutral gases and developing the foundations for Slovenia’s future hydrogen backbone. Yokogawa brings international experience in industrial automation and digitalization as well as hydrogen-related initiatives, including projects supporting the development of hydrogen ecosystems and green hydrogen applications.

The collaboration activities under the MoU will be led by Yokogawa Europe, and the first step will be a feasibility study to evaluate technical, operational, and commercial pathways for integrating hydrogen into Slovenia's energy infrastructure. This will enable Slovenia to build on its strategic position within European energy corridors amid the growing interest in renewable and carbon-neutral energy solutions.

Aleksander Mervar, MSc, the Chief Executive Officer of ELES, d.o.o., commented,

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a groundbreaking project that is unparalleled in the Slovenian energy sector. Beyond its immediate objectives, this initiative will establish the foundation for the wider deployment of hydrogen technologies in industry and transport, playing a key role in the emergence of a hydrogen-based economy. What makes this project particularly significant is its potential for replication. The expertise, technological know-how and operational insights developed through this partnership can be applied to critical energy infrastructure far beyond Slovenia’s borders, supporting the transition towards more resilient, flexible and sustainable energy systems throughout Europe.”

Matija Bitenc, MSc, Chief Executive Officer of Plinovodi, d.o.o., commented,

 “Today we are taking an important step towards a more connected and resilient energy system in Slovenia and the wider region. The future of energy will not be built around individual energy carriers, but around our ability to make different infrastructures work effectively together. By combining the complementary expertise and capabilities of Plinovodi, ELES, and Yokogawa, we aim to demonstrate how hydrogen can provide an effective link between electricity and gas infrastructure, creating greater flexibility, strengthening resilience and making better use of existing assets. Slovenia has an opportunity to become a European demonstration case for sector coupling – showing in practice how different energy infrastructures can work together to strengthen energy security, flexibility and the competitiveness of Europe’s future energy system.”

Koji Nakaoka, Executive Vice President & Executive Officer and head of the Energy & Sustainability Business Headquarters at Yokogawa Electric Corporation, commented,

 “Hydrogen has an important role to play in the energy transition, and through this collaboration, we look forward to supporting the development of a resilient and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia. This MoU strengthens hydrogen cooperation between our two countries and reflects our shared commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.”

The signing represents a significant milestone in Slovenian–Japanese industrial cooperation and signals a shared commitment to exploring innovative approaches that can help shape the future energy landscape in Slovenia and beyond. It also highlights the importance of sharing international experience in R&D and investment between Japan and Europe when addressing energy security, sustainability, and defossilization challenges.