National Institute of Chemistry Once Again Successfully Showcased Slovenian Research Excellence in Brussels at European Hydrogen Week 2026
From 26 to 30 October 2026, Brussels hosted one of Europe’s most important events in the field of hydrogen technologies, European Hydrogen Week 2026 (EHW2026). The National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) participated in the event as part of the Slovenian business and research delegation organized by SPIRIT Slovenia, with the aim of presenting Slovenian expertise, research excellence, and innovative solutions to leading European stakeholders in the hydrogen sector.
Participation at EHW2026 provided the National Institute of Chemistry with an opportunity to showcase its key activities and projects in the field of hydrogen and carbon-neutral technologies. These included H2GreenFUTURE, a project aimed at solving challenges related to the development of hydrogen technologies in Slovenia and Austria; HyAdvanCE, which supports strategic hydrogen infrastructure planning and accelerates the deployment of hydrogen solutions across Central Europe; CarbNETs programme, a Slovenia’s flagship initiative for developing next-generation net-zero technological innovations aimed at decarbonizing energy-intensive industries; and NIC’s new Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Neutral Technologies in Kisovec.
The event represented an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with European research and industrial partners while establishing new connections with research organizations, companies, and policymakers. At the same time, it reaffirmed the crucial role of hydrogen technologies in achieving Europe’s energy transition and climate neutrality goals.
Presenting the Kisovec Centre as a Best Practice Example
On the first day of the event, 26 October, a representative of the National Institute of Chemistry participated in the Hydrogen Pilot Summit: Building Robust, Autonomous & Connected Regional Hydrogen Ecosystems, organized within the framework of the Vanguard Initiative by the Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) in Brussels. The event brought together representatives of European regions, research organizations, industry, and innovation ecosystems to accelerate the development of hydrogen technologies and foster interregional cooperation.
As part of a session dedicated to pilot centers and technology demonstrations, the National Institute of Chemistry presented its new Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Neutral Technologies in Kisovec, which was officially opened in June with the support of EU Just Transition Fund financing. Particular emphasis was placed on the Centre’s role in testing, demonstrating, and transferring hydrogen technologies from research environments into industrial applications. The presentation provided participants with insight into Slovenia’s research excellence and highlighted the Centre’s potential as a regional hub for the development and deployment of carbon-neutral technologies.
Later that evening, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Brussels hosted a reception for representatives of European institutions, industry, and research organizations. Ambassador Anita Stanković Pavlič addressed the participants, and the NIC was among the research organizations and companies presenting their hydrogen related activities to invited guests.
Showcasing Slovenia as a Partner for the Green Transition
On 27 October, the programme continued at Brussels Expo with the business and research forum “Green, Creative and Smart Slovenia – Your Partner for the Green Transition”, organized by SPIRIT Slovenia. The forum brought together representatives of Slovenian companies, research institutions, and international partners active in hydrogen technologies and the green transition. NIC presented its research capabilities, international projects, and contributions to the development of sustainable energy solutions. Other participants included representatives of the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, EIMV – Milan Vidmar Electric Power Research Institute, as well as leading Slovenian companies operating in the fields of energy and hydrogen technologies. The forum was followed by intensive networking with industrial partners, research organizations, and representatives of European initiatives. Discussions focused on new project partnerships, opportunities within the Horizon Europe programme, and Slovenia’s role in emerging European hydrogen value chains.
Building Connections Across the European Hydrogen Ecosystem
The third day was dedicated to visits to the EHW2026 exhibition and meetings with Belgian companies and research organizations developing advanced hydrogen production, storage, and utilization systems. Representatives of NIC explored the latest technological developments and discussed opportunities for future collaboration within international research and innovation partnerships.
On the fourth day, the Slovenian delegation took part in a special programme in Flanders organized by Belgium organisation WaterstofNet. During an expert visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s leading energy transition hubs, participants were introduced to several major hydrogen projects, including the development of a 25 MW electrolyser, ammonia import infrastructure, and the integration of hydrogen pipeline networks into the port ecosystem. The visit provided NIC with first-hand insight into one of Europe’s most advanced hydrogen ecosystems and future trends in the development of green fuels and platform chemicals.
Strengthening the International Visibility of Slovenian Knowledge and Innovation
Participation in European Hydrogen Week 2026 once again enabled the National Institute of Chemistry to successfully showcase Slovenian research expertise and innovation at the European level. It also contributed to strengthening existing partnerships and creating new opportunities for cooperation in international research and innovation projects that will help shape the future of the hydrogen economy and carbon-neutral technologies across Europe.
The National Institute of Chemistry would like to thank the Science Fund, operating under the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of the Republic of Slovenia, for financially supporting the participation of Slovenian research organizations at European Hydrogen Week 2026. We also extend our sincere thanks to SPIRIT Slovenia and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Brussels for the excellent organization of all accompanying events.
