Last weekend, the gas transmission system operator in Slovenia, Plinovodi d.o.o., celebrated its 20th anniversary at a ceremonial event in Planica. During the event, they signed an agreement with more than 50 Slovenian industrial companies, in the presence of the Minister for Environment, Climate, and Energy, Mr. Bojan Kumer, to establish the Hydrogen consortium for users – SloH2U.
The SloH2U consortium represents a systemic response from Slovenian industrial consumers to the need for restructuring for the use of hydrogen and renewable gases. The inclusion of more than two-thirds of industrial gas consumers based on gas usage clearly shows that Slovenia is seriously prepared to meet European decarbonization goals.
The event was opened by Mr. Marjan Eberlinc, the general manager of Plinovodi, with an introductory speech, highlighting that the establishment of the SloH2U consortium is a major Slovenian hydrogen initiative connecting key stakeholders in industry, energy, and the state, with the aim of achieving a coordinated, technically feasible, and timely transition to a decarbonized future.
The honorary guest at the event, the Minister for Environment, Climate, and Energy, Mr. Bojan Kumer, emphasized in his speech:
"For a successful transition to low-carbon energy, infrastructure projects alone are not enough – we need an industry that is ready to invest, experiment, and collaborate. I am pleased that we have a company in Slovenia like Plinovodi, which knows how to connect and lead such initiatives."
Next, Mr. Matija Bitenc, a member of the executive board and deputy general manager of Plinovodi, the initiator of the SloH2U platform, shared his impressions so far and the company’s future plans regarding the decarbonization of the transmission system.
He emphasized:
"In recent months, we have been discussing real needs with the industry, as well as technological, financial, geopolitical, and regulatory challenges. The SloH2U platform is not an ideological declaration, but a concrete foundation for the development of user infrastructure, specific pilot projects, and integration into the European hydrogen ecosystem."
The industry perspective was also provided by Mr. Peter Čas, the CEO of Steklarna Hrastnik and this year’s recipient of the GZS Award for Special Achievements:
"For the industry, the question is no longer whether, but how to decarbonize processes. Collaboration with infrastructure partners like Plinovodi is crucial to ensure that this transition does not happen too late or too slowly. The SloH2U initiative is the right response at the right time – with a clear direction and technical foundation."
The 20th anniversary celebration of the company and the establishment of the SloH2U consortium were accompanied by excellent musical performances and visual graphic effects, which enhanced the professional part of the program. The event took place in Planica – a symbol of courage, perseverance, and team spirit. Where records are made, the foundation was laid for a new energy story – one that will connect Slovenia with the Central European hydrogen space in the coming years and provide the industry with competitive conditions for a decarbonized future.
We would like to thank all our partners, users, employees, and other stakeholders in the gas market, with whom we have been collaborating for two decades and providing an important part of Slovenia’s energy supply.
We look forward to continued collaboration and connecting towards the decarbonization of the energy system.
