Slovakia

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GH2 Country Portal – Slovakia

Green Hydrogen Vision

Slovakia envisions green hydrogen as a cornerstone of its energy transition and commitment to sustainability. The country aims to decarbonize key sectors such as industry, transportation, and energy by harnessing its renewable energy resources and advancing hydrogen production technologies. Slovakia’s strategy focuses on building a robust hydrogen ecosystem, fostering innovation, and enhancing energy security while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With strong support for international cooperation and investment, Slovakia aspires to play a significant role in shaping a greener and more resilient energy future. 

National Strategy

Slovakia's 2021 NHS (National Hydrogen Strategy) establishes a framework for developing and integrating hydrogen technologies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The strategy emphasizes green and low-carbon hydrogen production to decarbonize key sectors such as industry, transportation, and energy. It aligns with the European Green Deal and supports hydrogen's role as a universal energy carrier. The NHS promotes international cooperation, legislative reforms, and partnerships between government, industry, and research institutions to accelerate hydrogen adoption. 

Capacity Targets

  • Focus on domestic hydrogen production through electrolysis powered by renewable and nuclear energy sources. 

  • Hydrogen infrastructure development includes modifying gas networks for hydrogen distribution, underground storage, and creating a hydrogen refueling network for transportation. 

  • Long-term goals aim for most hydrogen consumption to be covered by low-carbon or green sources. 

Impact Targets

  • Decarbonisation: Reduce emissions in industries such as steel, chemical production, and transportation by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen. 

  • Energy Transition: Hydrogen technologies are expected to contribute significantly to achieving climate neutrality, including applications in heating, cooling, and transportation. 

  • Economic Growth: Support the transformation of Slovak industries, creating jobs and fostering innovation in hydrogen technologies. 

Policy Spotlight

Slovakia is eager to collaborate with India in areas such as green hydrogen, research and development (R&D), heavy engineering, wastewater treatment, and cyber security, stated Robert Maxian, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to India. In February 2024, a delegation of 20 Slovak companies, headed by the Slovak foreign minister, travelled to India to discuss the matter further. 

Financing

The NHS outlines various funding mechanisms, including: 

  1. EU Instruments: Recovery and Resilience Facility, Innovation Fund, Modernization Fund, and Connecting Europe Facility. 
  2. National Investments: State budget allocations for hydrogen projects and public-private partnerships. 
  3. Private Sector Involvement: Mobilization of private investments through venture capital and strategic partnerships. 
  4. Research and Innovation: Funding from EU programs like Horizon Europe to drive technological advancements in hydrogen applications. 

The Ministry of Economy in Slovakia has unveiled a new initiative under the Recovery and Resilience Plan to produce green hydrogen. An allocation of 13.56 million euros will be provided, with each applicant eligible for a maximum contribution of 4 million euros for their project. 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Economy