Plinacro, HEP join forces to develop hydrogen production, transport

Natural gas transmission system operator Plinacro and power utility Hrvatska Elektroprivreda (HEP) have agreed to cooperate on developing hydrogen production and transport.

Government-owned Plinacro and HEP have signed a memorandum of understanding on activities related to hydrogen production and transport projects, and to linking their plans for the development of hydrogen technologies and networks.

The companies are interested in developing infrastructure for the production and transport of hydrogen

In accordance with the goals of the European Union and the expected decarbonization of the economy, the two companies are interested in creating conditions for the development of infrastructure for the production and transport of hydrogen, according to a statement published by Plinacro.

Two weeks ago, the European Commission presented a futuristic Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy which includes hydrogen – increasingly seen as an important fuel for the energy transition. In the region that Balkan Green Energy News tracks, four Slovenian energy companies have decided to join forces while the Energy Community Secretariat is preparing a study on hydrogen.

Hydrogen is the basis for the decarbonization of the industry and transport

The potential of hydrogen, especially the kind produced from renewable sources, is the basis for the decarbonization of the industry and transport sectors, which makes laying a solid foundation for the development of the important fuel for the future European energy mix necessary, according to the statement.

The cooperation of two companies will also focus on removing legislative and regulatory barriers and preparing key documents, guidelines and measures to create harmonized standards for the hydrogen market.

The plan includes the development of pilot projects

According to the European Commission’s recovery plan, investments in hydrogen encourage sustainable development and competitive business opportunities that will be key to the recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuation of the energy transition.

The joint development of pilot projects will serve as a basis for the application of projects for financing with the European Commission, the two Croatian energy companies said.