Slovenia

With the world facing the twin pressures of a warming climate and an ever-increasing amount of waste it is becoming increasingly clear that we need to rethink the way we generate energy and use materials. Despite growing awareness our energy systems are still largely dependent on fossil fuels and characterized by a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model. This leaves us vulnerable to supply disruptions rising greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of critical raw materials. Hydrogen is emerging as a potential carbonfree energy vector that can overcome both challenges if it is produced sustainably from renewable sources. This study reviews hydrogen production from a circular economy perspective considering industrial agricultural and municipal solid waste as a resource rather than a burden. The focus is on the reuse of waste as a catalyst or catalyst support for hydrogen production. Firstly the role of hydrogen as a new energy carrier is explored along with possible routes of waste valorization in the process of hydrogen production. This is followed by an analysis of where and how catalysts from waste can be utilized within various hydrogen production processes namely those based on using fossil fuels as a source biomass as a source and electrocatalytic applications.

The impact of the HyResponder project on the training of responders in 10 European countries is described. An overview is presented of training activities undertaken within the project in Austria Belgium Czech Republic France Germany Italy Norway Spain Switzerland and the United Kingdom. National leads with training expertise are given and the longer-term plans in each region are mentioned. Responders from each region took part in a specially tailored “train the trainer” programme and then delivered training within their regions. A flexible approach to training within the HyResponder network has enabled fit for purpose region appropriate activities to be delivered impacting over 1250 individuals during the project and many more beyond. Teaching and learning materials in hydrogen safety for responders have been made available in 8 languages: English Czech Dutch French German Italian Norwegian Spanish. They are being used to inform training within each of the partner countries. Dedicated national working groups focused on hydrogen safety training for responders have been established in Belgium the Czech Republic Italy and Switzerland.

In the light of a future decarbonized power grid based primarily on non-dispatchable renewable energy sources the operation of industrial plants should be decarbonized and flexible. An innovative novel concept combining industrial plants with (i) a water electrolysis unit (ii) a hydrogen storage unit and (iii) a fuel cell unit would enable seasonal supply-demand balancing in the local power grid and storage of surplus energy in the form of stable solid products. The feasibility of this concept was demonstrated in a case study taking into account the overall energy balance and economics. The characteristics of the local power grid and the hydrogen round-trip efficiency must be carefully considered when dimensioning the hydrogen units. It was found that industries producing iron and steel cement ceramics glass aluminum paper and other metals have the potential for seasonal operation. Future research efforts in the fields of technology economics and social sciences should support the sustainable flexibility transition of energy-intensive industries with solid products.

The Net Zero Scenario driven by the imperative of carbon neutrality demands a major reduction in reliance on fossil fuel-based hydrogen production. Another challenge is hydrogen’s storage and transport due to its low volumetric energy density. These issues have elevated hydrogen carriers—particularly methanol—to a prominent position. Methanol’s favorable H/C ratio liquid state under ambient conditions and renewable production potential establish it as a compelling hydrogen carrier. Already essential in vehicle fuels and chemical production methanol’s role is poised to expand further. Among conversion routes methanol steam reforming (MSR) stands out for its high hydrogen yield and low CO production. This review outlines strategies for lowering the MSR reaction temperature enabling integration with proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and leveraging the thermal synergy between the two systems. The review highlights the critical roles of catalysts and reactor design in optimizing MSR–PEMFC integration. A detailed evaluation of Cu-based and group 8–10 metal catalysts provides insight into their suitability for PEMFC applications. Reactor configurations including conventional membrane and micro-channeled designs are assessed for their integration potential. Finally the review synthesizes these findings into design-oriented insights for optimizing MSR–PEMFC systems emphasizing catalyst selection reactor configuration and system-level integration offering practical pathways for implementation.

Addressing GHG emissions in industrial sectors is crucial for developed nations’ energy and environmental policies. European countries use diverse strategies to mitigate industrial GHG impacts with energy models evaluating national objectives and supporting policy implementation. A new hybrid bottom-up technology-oriented simulation model has been developed for Slovenia’s industrial sector focusing on energy-intensive industries like paper metal chemical and cement production. This model linked with the macroeconomic GEM model assesses the impacts of GHG reduction measures on the national economy. This paper introduces the Reference Energy System model for the industrial sector REES SLO aiding Slovenia’s NECP update. It details input parameters model structure proposed measures peculiarities of energy-intensive industries and calculation results. The findings indicate that decarbonizing Slovenia’s industrial sector is feasible but demands immediate policy intervention substantial investments and a collaborative approach among stakeholders. Advanced technologies such as carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) hydrogen-based solutions and enhanced energy efficiency measures are essential components of this transition. The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and circular economy principles further strengthens pathways toward sustainability. The REES IND model underscores the importance of aligning industrial decarbonization strategies with broader economic and environmental objectives. It provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed measures and their long-term impacts. Achieving these goals requires a phased approach beginning with energy efficiency improvements and progressing to structural changes and advanced technologies. The model’s insights pave the way for sustainable industrial transformation aligning Slovenia’s industrial sector with national and European Union climate objectives.