How can hydrogen boost the green transition of the Šalek Valley?
The Šalek Valley is a strategic energy production location of the HSE Group and, and in recent events, has become central of discussions about the green transition.
Considering the historical role of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant and the ever-increasing demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the future of the valley is focused on sustainable energy solutions that will reduce the negative environmental impact.
Alongside this, provisions are in place which aim to provide new jobs while improving the quality of life of the local community.
The challenges of the transition to a low-carbon future are great, and Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE) alongside the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ), play a key role in this transformation.
Through its goals, HSE adheres to the main strategic goals of the European Union in the field of green transition. By supporting green technologies and a circular economy, the Šalek Valley can become an example of good practice in green energy transition, effective restructuring and successful adaptation to new energy conditions.
Part of the key green transition investments will take place in the area of the current Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant.
These investments include projects such as the floating solar power plant on Lake Družmirje, restructuring of the district heating system, introduction of hydrogen technologies and certain innovative projects in the Šalek Valley, which will be overseen by the company HSE Sa-Ša.
The Družmirje floating solar power plant – an important green transition project
Potential projects being mutually complementary will be important in realizing the vision of the green transition. This includes the Družmirje floating solar power plant, procedures for which, including the drafting of a national spatial plan, are already under way.
Družmirje would be the first major floating solar power plant in Slovenia and could produce up to 140 MWp of power at an annual production of 115 GWh. Simultaneously with the installation of the floating solar power plant, the surrounding area of the lake would be developed for the purposes of tourism, sport and recreation.
Advanced energy: hydrogen as an energy source of the future
According to HSE, Hydrogen is a “promising technology” in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources and in the restructuring of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant after the coal phase-out.
HSE stated “it is a very versatile and clean energy source, especially in the case of green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy sources (e.g. from the Družmirje floating solar power plant) by means of electrolysis”.
“Its use as an energy source can enable the decarbonisation of sectors and serve as a means of energy storage when renewable sources are not available (e.g. at night or when there is no wind)”.
