Slovenia in the framework of the EU’s efforts to decarbonize the defense sector
The first of its kind thematic workshop aims to explore opportunities for defense sector decarbonisation using clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in transport and infrastructure related parts of the defence. The participants will also discuss the strategies and policies of the European Union (EU) in this field.
State Secretary for Defense dr. Damir Črnčec, in the opening part of the conference, which was attended by around 80 representatives of European defense ministries, EU institutions, industry and scientific organizations, emphasized that, given the increasing volatility of security and energy, it is imperative for the defense sector to improve its protection against climate changes, use flexible and clean sustainable models, while ensuring own operational efficiency. Improving the energy efficiency of the defense sector also results in greater operational efficiency and savings in human and financial resources that can be reallocated to other areas. State Secretary dr. In this context, Črnčec emphasized the importance of the role of the Consultative Forum for Sustainable Energy in the defense and security sector and the European Defense Agency.
Catharina Sikow-Magny, Deputy Director General of the Directorate General for Energy at the European Commission, presented the European Commission’s strategy and measures for the development and introduction of renewable energy sources and low-carbon hydrogen into the energy system. Her presentation was an introduction to the discussion on the role of the defense sector in the EU’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality and improved security of supply by increasing the share of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
Slovenia is actively involved in EU efforts in the field of defense energy and energy efficiency, and continues projects in the field of sustainable mobility and the search for alternative fuels. For example, the Slovenian army put hydrogen technology into operational use already in 2010, according to Dr. For Črnčec, our experience with hydrogen led to the Defense RESilience Hub Network in Europe (RESHUB) proposal. It is an ambitious project of using renewable energy sources and storing energy in hydrogen, which was financed by the European Commission. We also work closely with the European Defense Agency in this regard.
dr. Črnčec explained that in parallel with the feasibility study, which will be presented this afternoon, a pilot project was started in the Carniola barracks. It aims to provide infrastructure capabilities for the introduction of hydrogen mobility in the defense and security sector in 2024, while supporting similar developments in the civilian sector. In addition, with our experience, we participate in the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley project.
In two workshops, on infrastructure and transport, experts will discuss in more detail the advantages and challenges of introducing hydrogen into the defense sector. The workshop is also an opportunity to exchange knowledge and project ideas between representatives of defense ministries, companies and researchers.