Slovenia to present leading achievements in hydrogen technology development in Brussels
On Monday, September 29, 2025, Slovenia will present its scientific and technological achievements in the field of hydrogen technologies at an event titled Showcasing Slovenia’s and Flanders’ Hydrogen Technology Research Landscapes. The event is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Belgium in cooperation with the National Institute of Chemistry. It will take place during the 4. European Hydrogen Week, which runs in Brussels from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
The event will be held at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Belgium from 13:30 to 17:30 and will bring together Slovenian and Belgium research institutions, decision makers, and innovative companies working in hydrogen technologies. The aim is to strengthen international cooperation and showcase Slovenian expertise and excellence in hydrogen technologies abroad.
“As hydrogen technologies have rapidly advanced across Europe, we are witnessing a pivotal shift from isolated demonstrations to integrated, cross-border systems that can deliver clean, reliable energy at scale. Slovenia’s strong research base and growing industrial expertise are already making a tangible contribution to this transformation. Overall, the JU has supported Slovenian beneficiaries with about €18.7 million, an investment that not only strengthens Slovenia’s domestic capabilities but also enriches the whole European innovation ecosystem. Slovenian partners participate in four of the 21 Clean Hydrogen JU-funded hydrogen valleys, and their leading role in the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley — where nine Slovenian beneficiaries receive roughly €10.27 million of a ~€25 million grant — demonstrates how local know-how can amplify regional impact. By leveraging their research excellence, skilled workforce and strategic geographic position, Slovenian stakeholders are well placed to help develop and scale innovative hydrogen solutions, foster cross-border value chains and accelerate Europe’s transition to climate-neutral energy systems.” - Ms. Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
Speakers
Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ambassador Barbara Sušnik and Ms. Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Davor Rašić from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy (MOPE) will present Slovenia’s national strategic framework for hydrogen technologies, which is currently under active development.
The event will highlight the achievements of Slovenian researchers, institutional strengths, and innovation potential in hydrogen technologies. Key Slovenian institutions presenting their work include:
- National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) with their newly established Center for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies
- Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS)
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
- Slovenian Business and Research Association (SBRA)
The event will be moderated by hydrogen expert Darko Levičar.
At the event, in addition to the research and academic institutions and the Slovenian National Hydrogen Association, Slovenian companies Procesni inženiring and ReCatalyst will present their projects, while Belgian speakers will present innovative projects by Exion Hydrogen and Bekaert, as well as the work of their hydrogen association WaterstofNet.
Slovenia follows a comprehensive approach to hydrogen development, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership signed in 2024. Leading research institutions are driving innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. Slovenia is also actively involved in numerous European clean energy projects.
Financial Support
Scientific Fund: The event is supported by a scientific fund co-financed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Republic of Slovenia.
Economic Fund: Special thanks also go to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Republic of Slovenia for their support, as their support enables co-financing of events like this. Economic diplomacy is one of the priorities of the Ministry and the diplomatic-consular network of the Republic of Slovenia. The main goals of economic diplomacy include:
- Intensifying the internationalization of the Slovenian economy
- Expanding Slovenian companies into new markets
- Strengthening positions in existing markets
- Promoting Slovenian excellence in various market niches and sectors
Events like this contribute to the comprehensive promotion of Slovenian excellence, encompassing economic and scientific, tourism and gastronomy, cultural and sports diplomacy.
Event Registration
The event is free of charge, but due to limited seating, prior registration is required by September 26, 2025, via email: sloembassy.brussels(at)gov.si.
Event Information
For questions regarding the event, please contact the coordinator at the National Institute of Chemistry, Tomaž Čebela, at: tomaz.cebela(at)ki.si.
