ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6841) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance collaboration on the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in Slovenia. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of the country’s critical energy infrastructure and lay the foundation for Slovenia’s low-carbon hydrogen sector.

The agreement was signed on 10 September alongside ministerial meetings in Japan and was witnessed by representatives of the Japanese and Slovenian governments.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between ELES, Plinovodi and Yokogawa to explore ways of strengthening the resilience of Slovenia’s most critical energy infrastructure. The companies aim to advance sector coupling across electricity, gas and hydrogen infrastructure to enhance energy security and system stability as renewable energy deployment grows.

Expected activities include collaboration on a demonstration project for a hydrogen plant interfacing with electricity and gas transmission networks, supported by digital solutions for the orchestrated and coordinated operation of both infrastructures.

The initiative also aims to upgrade Slovenia’s electricity and gas network operations with resilient green hydrogen mobility solutions to support the maintenance of critical infrastructure. It will also explore mobile backup units for electricity distribution that can serve a multifunctional role by operating 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 hydrogen integration into Slovenia’s future energy system.

ELES will contribute its experience in managing and developing Slovenia’s electricity transmission system. It is also the initiator of the consortium established to develop a hydrogen ecosystem based on low-carbon hydrogen sources in Slovenia on the power side.

Plinovodi will contribute its expertise in gas transmission infrastructure and hydrogen infrastructure development, 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 digitalisation, as well as hydrogen-related initiatives, including projects supporting the development of hydrogen ecosystems and green hydrogen applications.

Collaboration activities under the MoU will be led by Yokogawa Europe. The first step will be a feasibility study to evaluate technical, operational and commercial pathways for integrating hydrogen into Slovenia’s energy infrastructure.

The study will enable Slovenia to build on its strategic position within European energy corridors amid growing interest in renewable and carbon-neutral energy solutions.

Aleksander Mervar, MSc, Chief Executive Officer of ELES, d.o.o., said: “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., said: “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, said: “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 in addressing energy security, sustainability and defossilisation challenges.